Veteran broadcaster Sam Costanilla dies at 68

CEBU, Philippines — Just a day after the annual Press Freedom Week celebration closed, the Cebu media industry mourned the loss of a colleague, veteran broadcaster, and multi-awarded media practitioner Sam Costanilla.

On the morning of Sunday, Costanilla, 68, was found dead inside his parked vehicle at the annex building of the Barangay Hall in Inayawan, Cebu City.

Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak, chairman of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, said initial indications showed no evidence of foul play in Costanilla’s death.

However, he added that they would have to wait for the autopsy results to determine the exact cause of death.

Tumulak also released CCTV footage from the Barangay Inayawan Command Center showing Costanilla’s vehicle arriving and parking in the area at around 8:22 a.m. Friday, September 25, 2026.

Costanilla’s body was discovered shortly after 9 a.m. Sunday after children passing by the area reportedly noticed a foul odor coming from the vehicle. They reportedly saw Costanilla unresponsive in the driver’s seat.

His younger brother, identified as Monching, reportedly confirmed his identity.

A report posted by “Inayawong Tigbalita” said barangay tanods had observed that Costanilla’s vehicle had remained parked in the area since Friday.

Costanilla’s death was confirmed by DYLA management, the local radio station where he had been a longtime member of the broadcast team.

He served as a newscaster, news director, and program director of DYLA 909 kHz. His voice had also been part of the station’s identification for many years.

He was known for his expertise in the use of the Bisaya language and had also worked with DYCM-Cebu, where he served as station manager, while also serving as entertainment chief of DOT TV Nationwide and as a writer-director.

Juniño Padilla, chief executive officer of DOT TV Nationwide, reportedly became concerned after Costanilla failed to respond to his calls and text messages beginning Saturday.

Costanilla remembered

When news of Costanilla’s passing came out, messages of remembrance from his colleagues, loved ones, and people he had once worked with poured in.

Cebu Provincial Board Member Celestino “Tining” Martinez expressed deep sadness, remembering him as a dedicated broadcaster, committed professional, and friend whose work and personality touched colleagues, listeners, and members of the community.

Martinez said Costanilla’s years of service to broadcasting and to the people he served would be remembered, along with his warmth, kindness, cheerful personality, and thoughtful gestures toward others.

He also expressed condolences to Costanilla’s family, friends, colleagues, and the many people who had been part of the veteran broadcaster’s life.

Martinez said the DYCM family was mourning the unexpected loss while honoring Costanilla’s life of service, friendship, and dedication.

Former Tuburan Mayor Aljun Diamante also paid tribute to Costanilla, describing him as a true friend of the Tuburanons who consistently featured and promoted Tuburan through his work.

Dave Tumulak, meanwhile, remembered Costanilla as the original voice of the Sinulog Grand Mardi Gras inside the Cebu City Sports Complex.

Costanilla’s death marks a loss to Cebu’s broadcast and media industry, where he spent decades working as a broadcaster, news executive, and media practitioner.

The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities awaiting the autopsy findings to establish the exact cause of Costanilla’s death. — /IHM (FREEMAN)