Crime story reporter Gus Abelgas joins host Ganiel Krishnan on Oh My Gan! at the ABS-CBN Digital Studios in Quezon City on July 29, 2026. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News
MANILA -- Veteran broadcast journalist Gus Abelgas looked back on his decades-long career in journalism, revealing that his path to becoming one of the most recognizable names in Philippine crime reporting began with selling newspapers as a child.
In an interview on “Oh My Gan!,” Abelgas recalled growing up in Tondo and, later, San Andres Bukid in Manila, where he sold newspapers while attending elementary school.
“Nagtitinda ako ng dyaryo. Kaya ako parang naging open way ‘yun para maging mamamahayag,” Abelgas said.
Selling newspapers also exposed him early to current events as he became familiar with publications such as The Manila Times, Liwayway, and various comics.
Before becoming known professionally as Gus Abelgas, he was called August, after his birth month.
Abelgas said the name “Gus Abelgas” originated while he was working at the Ministry of National Defense and, later, when he applied at the People’s Journal.
According to him, then-Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile suggested shortening his name because “Gus Abelgas” was more rhythmic and easier to remember.
The name would eventually become synonymous with crime and investigative reporting, particularly through the long-running program “S.O.C.O.” But behind the serious television persona and unmistakable voice, Abelgas admitted that he is much more playful in real life.
“Very ironic naman ‘yan dahil in true life, gusto ko laging funny person,” he said.
Fellow journalists Jeff Caparas and Jessie Cruzat, who now work alongside Abelgas, agreed that the veteran broadcaster is different from the intimidating personality viewers see on television.
Cruzat recalled initially being intimidated by Abelgas, having grown up watching him living in the province.
“Yung image mo sa TV, ‘yun yung akala ko, ganun ka in-person,” Cruzat told Abelgas.
But after working together, Cruzat discovered Abelgas' lighter side.
“Mahilig siya kumanta. Bubbly siya sa set, and mahilig siya mag-joke,” Cruzat said.
Caparas, meanwhile, admitted that working alongside Abelgas still feels surreal.
“Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala, Sir. Talaga, sa totoo lang. Kasi parang dati, pinapanood mo lang talaga sa bahay,” he said.
Beyond his television persona, Abelgas said one of the most important lessons he has learned in investigative journalism is the value of earning the trust of sources.
He advised aspiring journalists to build genuine relationships with people instead of relying solely on calls and online communication.
“Yung trust and confidence ng isang tao, lalo na dito sa katulad nating mga imbestigador, yung mga sources ninyo,” he said, stressing the importance of personally connecting with sources and protecting their trust.
After decades in the industry, Abelgas admitted that he still misses field reporting.
Asked what could finally make him stop working in journalism, Abelgas had a simple answer: “Wala.”
Instead, the veteran broadcaster said he wants to continue sharing knowledge with the next generation of journalists.
“I-aano ko pa rin ‘yun kahit sa huling sandali… gusto kong makapag-develop through me, kahit incidental lang, yung mga promising journalist na matututunan nila,” he said.
For Abelgas, the years spent covering crimes, interviewing suspects, cultivating sources, and witnessing history have become lessons he hopes to pass on.
“Experience is the best teacher,” he said.
Abelgas currently appears alongside a new generation of crime reporters in “S.O.C.O.,” continuing a career that began as a young boy selling newspapers in the streets of Manila and grew into one of Philippine television’s most recognizable voices.
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