A former Palau journalist, Jose Rodriguez Señase passed away yesterday at the age of 41.
Señase worked for Palau Horizon, Tia Belau, and Island Times before moving to Phnom Penh, Cambodia to work for publications such as Khmer Times.
The cause of death is unconfirmed.
In Khmer Times, Jose started as a business writer and was promoted as Sports Editor.
Señase was a prolific journalist who covered sports, social issues, the environment, business, and politics.
He is a former reporter for the Leyte Samar Daily Express in the Philippines He has also attended training courses sponsored by the Palau Government and various United Nations agencies in the United States, Fiji, Palau, and Tonga.
Jose was also an active member of the community when he worked in Palau, he was a basketball player and was part of the Palau Behavioral Health Advisory Council.
“He was hardworking, finding ways and means to chase stories. You see him often riding his bicycle drenched in the rain coming or going to his assignments, always with a smile,” Leilani Reklai, Island Times Publisher and Editor stated.
In Palau, Jose is remembered by his media colleagues as a versatile reporter, who is ready to cover any assignment given to him.
“Jose was true to his craft as a journalist. He’s hard working, reliable, and a friendly attitude that every newsroom would like to have. He will be missed, “ Kambes Kesolei, Tia Belau Editor said.
He was also known as an amiable and dependable fellow.
To his colleagues in Palau, Jose expressed the desire to visit the island nation again this year.