Veteran sports journo Chino Trinidad dies at 56

Metro Manila, Philippines — Veteran sports journalist Chino Trinidad passed away on Saturday, July 13.

He was 56.

Trinidad suffered a cardiac arrest, according to DZME 1530, where Trinidad hosted the sports radio program "Larong Pilipino."

"I am beyond broken-hearted at the loss of Manolo Chino Trinidad, my brother, colleague, friend. A fighter, patriot, truth-seeker. There will [never] be another like you. I love you," veteran sports journalist Bill Velasco wrote on Facebook.

"Chino Trinidad: A visionary leader, fighter and genuine lover of sports…forever grateful to you, my ‘kum’ and everybody’s commissioner," said Rey Lachica, Tempo sports editor and former Philippine Sportswriters Association president. 

Mon Fernandez, a former professional basketball player and former commissioner of the Philippine Sports Commission, also expressed condolences to Trinidad’s family.

“No words can adequately convey the deep sorrow we feel upon learning of the untimely passing of our dear friend, Manolo Chino Trinidad. He was more than a friend. Chino was like family to Karla and me,” Fernandez wrote on Facebook. 

He added: “We will always be grateful for his unwavering love and support throughout my life, especially during the pivotal moments of my career as a professional basketball player and as Commissioner of the Philippine Sports Commission. Chino's absence will be deeply felt, but we will forever treasure the fond memories we shared with him.”

In May, Trinidad was announced the commissioner of the Sharks Billiard Association, a professional pool league.

The sports commentator also served as commissioner of the defunct Philippine Basketball League from 2000 to 2010.

In 2016, he founded the cable channel Pilipinas HD.