Veteran journalist and DZRH News reporter Misael “Boy” Gonzales Jr. passed away on Monday, May 11. He was 66 and died at Manila Medical Center.
According to a report by RH Edniel Parrosa on DZRH's Damdaming Bayan, Gonzales died at around 6:11 a.m. after suffering a stroke, according to his family.
The veteran Manila beat reporter was rushed to the hospital on Sunday morning, May 10, after complaining of dizziness and difficulty breathing.
His family said that Gonzales was not given proper medical attention before his death, claiming that he was transferred among four hospitals in Manila while in critical condition.
According to his niece, Florelin Mariano, Gonzales first felt unwell at around 10 a.m. on Sunday and was initially brought to a hospital in Tondo before noon.
He was later transferred to Justice Jose Abad Santos General Hospital for a CT scan, but the family was reportedly informed that the machine could not be operated because no technician was available.
After being transferred from two hospitals operated by the Manila local government, Gonzales was eventually brought to Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center at around 7 p.m.
The family claimed that Gonzales remained in a hallway for about five hours without being provided a bed while waiting for medical attention.
"Wala [kwarto], nasa hallway lang po siya. Napakainit pa doon kaya basang-basa siya ng pawis," Mariano said when asked if Gonzales was given a room upon arrival in Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center.
They also expressed anger over what they described as insensitive remarks allegedly made by hospital personnel during the emergency.
"Nakaubo siya ng malakas tapos noong tinanong sa [hospital staff] 'Okay lang po ba 'yung ganung paghinga ni Kuya' ang salita raw sa kaniya 'Okay pa naman daw humihinga pa naman daw,'" Gonzales' niece pointed out.
Gonzales was widely known for his fearless reporting, dedication, and commitment to public service throughout his decades-long career in broadcast journalism.
“Nakikiramay ang buong DZRH at MBC Media Group sa pamilya, mga kaibigan, at mga kasamahan ni Gonzales sa media,” DZRH and MBC Media Group said in a statement.
DZRH News anchor and former acting Presidential Communications Office (PCO) secretary Cesar Chavez also confirmed Gonzales’ passing in a Facebook post, writing: “Paalam Misael Boy Jr. Gonzales.”
RH 29 Gonzales, served as anchor of DZRH’s “Sapol Sabado” and covered several major beats, including Manila, the Supreme Court, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Department of Justice.
In October 2025, he was recognized as one of the awardees during the Philippine Coast Guard Media Appreciation Day.
Gonzales spent several decades in the journalism industry and was regarded as one of DZRH’s veteran reporters.
Messages of sympathy and condolences poured in from fellow journalists, colleagues, supporters, and members of the media industry following news of his death.
The wake will be held from May 11, 2026, at around 8:00 p.m. until May 16, 2026, at Dulce Funeral Homes, according to his family.
Interment will take place on May 17, 2026. Time and cemetery details are to be announced.
