Manila, May 10 -- Veteran journalist Severino C. Samonte, former executive editor of the Philippine News Agency, passed away on Saturday at his residence in Novaliches, Quezon City.

He would have turned 87 on May 20.

Samonte, or Viring as he was fondly called, is survived by wife Luzviminda; children Annaliza, Israel, Leilani and Christine; and grandchildren Jovan, Christelle, Marc Julius, Lalaine, Jonie and Rhianna.

He studied at Caybiga Primary School and Novaliches Elementary School; Novaliches Academy (now Metro Manila College); and Feati University, Philippine School of Journalism and International Correspondence School.

His more than six decades of journalism career included stints with Liwayway and Bulaklak magazines, Philippin...