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| Body ID'd as Roger Strunk |
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| Written by Bob Brownne/Sam Matthews | |
| Thursday, 12 July 2007 | |
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Police suspect that the 1960s singer-actor from Tracy committed suicide when he plunged from a Tracy Inn balcony Wednesday. By Bob Brownne and Sam Matthews The man who died Wednesday morning in a fall from a balcony at the Tracy Inn was identified Thursday as Roger L. “Rod” Strunk, a 68-year-old Tracy resident who 3½ years ago avoided extradition to the Philippines on charges he hired someone to kill his movie and television star wife.
Reports to the Tracy Police Department indicate he jumped from the inn’s second-floor balcony onto the parking lot pavement about 20 feet below.
“It appears to be a suicide at this point,” said Sgt. Steve Beukelman, who said police didn’t find anyone who saw him jump but found evidence in his room that indicates Strunk took his own life.
Police responded to the
The woman told police he was not breathing and did not have a pulse. Police arrived and called the San Joaquin County Coroner shortly afterward.
Strunk, who had a brief singing career in the late 1950s and early 1960s as Rod Lauren, was an artist and actor who more recently worked as a camera operator for the city of
Councilwoman Evelyn Tolbert said the city manager informed her and other council members of Strunk’s death Thursday morning, because he had been a city employee and regularly recorded City Council meetings for Channel 26.
“I really liked him. I found him to be a pleasant gentleman,” she said. “I was always pleased to see him at council meetings.”
Strunk had lived in the
On Nov. 7, 2001, Blanca was found stabbed to death in a car parked in a
Strunk was interrogated about the murder but was not charged immediately. In the meantime, Philippine authorities allowed him to return to the
After his mother’s death, Strunk remained in
In May 2003, however, federal agents, acting on an extradition request from the Philippine government, arrested Strunk at his home and placed him in the Sacramento County Jail pending an extradition hearing.
At the hearing, held Oct. 17, 2003, in the federal courthouse in
After the Philippine prosecutors failed to provide additional evidence contradicting the recantation, on Nov. 12, 2003, U.S. Magistrate Gregory Hollows denied extradition and ordered Strunk’s release from jail. The denial brought cheers from Strunk’s family and
After his release, Strunk returned to
“The only thing the Philippine government had implicating me was the written confession of this person, Philip Medel, who I had never met,” he said, “He recanted it, dramatically, in open court five days later.” Strunk, who continued to live in
A native of
Strunk attended
It was in
Strunk cut several records that had some success, but his recording career never climbed to hoped-for heights. He continued his career by singing in clubs in Southern California and
In 1964, he went to the Kravitz, his
Strunk is survived by a sister, Sharolyn Grove, who has lived in Trackback(0)
Comments
(106)
 written by sally shcneider , July 13, 2007
did you miss the part about him killing his wife? why is the paper writing this story about a murderer? no wonder domestic violence is so commonplace in our society. we're desensitised to it thanks to papers and articles like this one. how sick! I hope no young girls were reading this trash. and to you benigno...i'm sure if he killed your daughter you wouldnt be missing him at the cc meetings. i just lost respect for you people.
 written by huh? , July 13, 2007
Sally, check your facts before you start accusing folks. The man who killed Rod's wife told police Rod had paid him to do it, then said a few days later that he lied about Rod's involvement. That is why the Philippine authorities allowed him to leave there and return to Tracy. It wasn't until Rod's step-daughter (his wife's daughter) used her celebrity status that they finally wanted him to return. A trial was held here to determine if there was enough evidence to extradite Rod, and they found that there was not. So, Sally, if you know of some evidence that the authorities in both the Philippines and the United States do not yet know about, how about you offer it up? Until then, go back to your couch, turn on Oprah and continue munching on your Cheese Doodles.
 written by Nicki , July 13, 2007
MMMMM cheese doodles.
 Just a quick question for sally shcneider, are you newly married and just don't know how to spell your hubby's name yet or what?  written by Tom Benigno , July 13, 2007
Ride Sally ride: I knew very little of the man other than he volunteered his time working with Ms. Tucker, Ms Toblert, Mr. Ive's, Ms. Sundburg, Mr. Abacrombe,Mr. Miller of channel 26# and others. I took the man on face value on how he treated me. Am I now supposed to think that all those City Council people and the Mayor are corrupt because he worked with them?
Benigno  written by David Hardesty , July 13, 2007
Tom
I found out about this the other day as well. Because of the circumstances in Rod's life since the beginning of the year none of his friends or the press has much information. Most of us who had been trying to keep track of him didn't even know he was staying in the Inn. For example, the last time I new, about a week or so ago, he was living somewhere in Stockton. Like you, I found Rod to be a pleasant person and fairly easy to get along with. I can only suppose that the deep depressions he got into got the better of him and resulted in his death. Not only will he be missed at City Council meetings, he will be missed by the few friends he left behind. My sympathies go out to his remaining family and friends. written by David Hardesty , July 13, 2007
Sally:
It is unfortunate that you don’t know the entire story regarding his wife’s murder. I don’t blame you for this for unless you were more personally involved with the entire ordeal it would be virtually impossible for you to know a US judge denied his extradition back to the Philippines for trial. The man who confessed to that crime and implicated Rod in it later recanted his story. And, as the Press indicated, that recantation was very dramatic, even though it didn't even make much of a radar blip in the US news media. http://dwb.sacbee.com/content/news/story/7775854p-8714864c.html may shed some more light on this for you. Even though, through the years that I knew him, he grieved about the death of his wife and this is something I feel he could never really get over as it seemed every time I dealt with him he would mention her. Granted, I could be wrong but like Tom said, “I took the man on face value on how he treated me.” But perhaps we shouldn’t rush to any judgment at all until we can find out why he may have committed suicide. Until the DA and the police release the information as to why they “think” he committed suicide we don’t really know, do we? I don’t know about you but the scriptures I read instruct we are to err on the side of mercy. Also, isn’t there something in our Constitution that says, “Innocent until proven guilty?” From the court transcripts I have read I agree with the judge there wasn't enough evidence to extradite an American Citizen to be tried for murder in a foriegn court. Also, having lived in the PI myself during the early 1970's, it is my opinion that his trial would have been in a kangaroo court for corrupt political purposes. Then again, that is only my impression having read that judges report.  written by Amadeo88 , July 13, 2007
Having come from the Philippines myself, I probably have read more information about this case than the typical resident of Tracy.
It will indeed be revelatory once we know the evidence Police found indicating the suicide, if any mention of the murder of his wife was made. It is ironic that we first came to know Mr. Strunk as the singer Rod Lauren who regaled us with his one-hit wonder song, If I Had A Girl. It is also good to note that the late wife whose real name was Dorothy Jones, was the daughter of an American GI who stayed after WW2 and married a Filipina. Regardless, let us all wish that his soul will rest in peace.  written by common sense , July 13, 2007
Wow! Amadeo88 really knows his stuff! Or maybe he just knows how to read Wikipedia....
written by Amadeo88 , July 13, 2007
Having been born and raised in the Philippines, all this information was common knowledge, especially given the fact that the late wife was a very popular movie/TV performer. The Wiki entries simply confirm this.
Another interesting angle regarding this case would be the reaction of the stepdaughter (of the first husband of Nida Blanca named Kate Torres)who filed the extradition papers and who I last heard lives in Southern California. written by David Hardesty , July 13, 2007
Amadeo88
What you have provided mirrors what Rod had shared with me in the past. I completely agree with your statement, "Regardless, let us all wish that his soul will rest in peace." Thank you for sharing your sensable perspective on this. BTW, do you happen to know the where abouts of his sister who use to live in Santa Cruse County? She moved somewhere down south but I don't remember where. As of this AM I know they were looking for her, probably for notification purposes. Most likely they have already found her by now.  written by sonora , July 13, 2007
He must be feeling so agonizing alone that he couldn't bear life anymore. Sad.
 written by Alan , July 13, 2007
I'm Roger's counsin. The family is saddened and shocked by Roger's death. He was very talented and lead an interesting and varied life. He experienced extreme highs and deep lows. Compared to Roger, most of us only ride close to the middle. For those of us who knew him his entire life, we saw his kindness, generousity and a quality man. The family never believed that he was involved in Nida Blanca's death. She was involved in many things, any of which could have lead to her death. The US judge made the correct decision. We will miss Roger and we pray for his peaceful rest. His sister now resides in Morro Bay and has been notified.
 written by Professional Heckler , July 13, 2007
IF ROD STRUNK was innocent of killing his wife, our beloved Nida Blanca,he would have not left the Philippines and take refuge in the U.S. But no! He opted to run away from his murder case.
Ironically, Nida Blanca was murdered in a parking lot. Now, Rod died in a parking lot. Coincidence? I say,KARMA.  written by vend , July 13, 2007
now, we will never know what the truth is..If he really kill his wife or not.But one question that comes to mind is, if he is innocent, why commit suicide? I'm from the philippines, and some of us feel vindicated. But are we really?
written by David Hardesty , July 14, 2007
Professional Heckler and vend
First, Rodger did not run away. He did receive permission from the Philippine government to leave to visit his dying mother who incidentally died before he could get here. Ask yourself, if you had just lost your wife and learned your mother was about to die, wouldn't you make every attempt to see her before she died? I don't know about you but I would. When his step-daughter had the extradition papers filed he was picked up and spent six months or so in jail up in Sacramento while a US judge determined if there was enough evidence to warrant an extradition. When the judge denied the extradition why on Earth would Rodger go back to a country where the majority of Nida's fans already had their minds made up through biased news reporting at the hands of a very corrupt judicial system. If they had a case they should have presented the US Judge all of the information instead of having it trickled to him after the decision was made. That may fly for Philippine citizens but the American Justice System, as bad as it is, doesn't work that hap-hazard. You may have lived in the Philippines and even been born there. But there are some of us who lived there for several years and learned how that government works. It was one of the very first things we were briefed on when we went there. Feel vindicated if you will but watching a man slowly torture himself to death with grief isn't what I would call vindication and it certainly doesn't fall within any Christian or Muslim belief system that I am familiar with. written by David Hardesty , July 14, 2007
Alan
I have never had the pleasure of meeting you but offer my condolences. Thank you for the information about his sister. I have met her and found her to be a wonderful person as well. As you can tell, I didn't believe Rodger did it either. But I made that final decision when I was privledged to read the Judges report. Afterwards Rodger filled me in on a whole lot of other details I have never seen in print. Yes, she was a beloved actress but she also had many enemies as the affluent in the PI often have.  written by equipoise , July 14, 2007
I was googling for news about Rod Strunk's death and this article came out as one of the results.
I am the niece of former actress Nida Blanca and used to live in with them in their household. I've known him during my growing up years and during those times he has been a good uncle to me. He may or may not be guilty of the crime that he has allegedly committed. That is for the courts and ultimately God to decide. But this news has left me with a feeling of sadness because he has shown me goodness when I was still staying with them. And knowing a part of his life - I believe he has led a somewhat sad life. It is very depressing that it had to end in such a tragic way. My aunt's deaths -- if you were in our place -- you would know that it is a BIG BIG MYSTERY. Rod could very well be guilty but MANY questions surround his motive... and there are OTHER angles to her death too that are somehow being sidelined (intentionally? We do not know). I hope that the murder case of my aunt will be solved and that the "shroud of mystery" about her death be lifted... but with Rod's demise this all seems hazy. God-willing we will all find answers to the questions that linger. My condolences to Rod's family -- whom I have met and some I've been in correspondence with when I was younger... I hope to get in touch with his sister, his son and other family members. If you are reading this or if some people who know them get to read this -- please let them know what I would like to get in touch with them, too. Many thanks! written by equipoise , July 14, 2007
Just an addendum -- my aunt was an extremely kind, generous and beautiful person. She did not have any enemies whether in show business or in politics. At least none that the family knows of. She was well-loved and she had many accolades not only in her field of work but as a socially responsible person as well. She was God-fearing and prayerful person. Just to set it straight -- there was one statement that said she had enemies and that she was involved in matters that eventually led to her death. These are vague comments and may have no basis. This is actually what makes her death very mysterious. We are resigned to the fact that it may never be solved..and with Rod's tragic demise, finding answers about her death seems really impossible.
 written by Zimmerman , July 14, 2007
Yes, the judicial system in the the U.S. is the best, did we forget about the the O.J. Simpson trial? Tsk.. tsk.. tsk..
That reminds me, if Rod was notinvolved with the killing, how much effort did he take to find out who the real killer and the motive was?  written by krisette , July 14, 2007
i just would like to acknowledge Zimmerman's comment
"how much effort did he take to find out who the real killer and the motive was?" I'm from the Philippines and was also thinking of the same thing...what did he do to ascertain the murderer of his wife...it's a person's instinct to be curious...and at the same time Nida Blanca is his wife!!!Doesn't he want to know for the sake that Nida's soul can really rest in peace???Where is the care and love for a wife from a husband???  written by patricia , July 14, 2007
Lets not loose sight of the fact that we are dealing with the death of someone's Son, Father, uncle, friend. My Condolences to the family, I pray that God's love surround and comfort you in this loss.
As for everything else its all hindsight and assumptions, only God knows what really happend and only he will be the judge!!  written by Philip Medel , July 14, 2007
Rod Strunk killed Nida Blanca, he committed suicide because Nida Blanca haunts him day and night
 written by Susan Roces , July 14, 2007
Nida Blanca's ghost: You think I wont get a US Visa even though I am dead!
Rod Strunk: stop it, i'll kill myself now...i beg forgiveness  written by OJ , July 14, 2007
WTF? why am i getting involved in this? God bless Rod & Nida's souls
  written by Kaye Torres , July 14, 2007
By the way, do you know that for more than 20 years, only Nida Blanca was providing for the family? That Mr. Strunk's only financial contribution is his pension amounting to around nothing, considering his life style?
Shame on you who don't know the whole story, knew him for just a few years on acquaintance basis then defend him like he was your son. written by Zimmerman , July 14, 2007
Patricia,
If I may ask, are you related to Nida or Rod? Both? Come on, not only God knows what happened, may not be a lot but some do. If one of your family is wronged, I'm sure you will not say, "I will leave it up to God". You'd say, I want justice... now! If I was Rod and I am not guilty, I will look for the killer, hunt him down and.... But then, that's just me, just me. written by Zimmerman , July 14, 2007
To Kaye, if it is really you. It is not Strunk's financial contribution in question here! As much as I feel for you, no one, no one will ever know the whole story, not even you. People are basing their comments depending on how much they know, I respect that, wrong, right or different.
 written by Mighty me , July 14, 2007
this news turned into circus again. Let them have peace. Peace men, peace. Let God be the judge
 written by Just94g , July 14, 2007
To everybody,
I was in the Philippines when this happenend and just for everbody's information, the investigators found out that Rod Strunk owed more than 1M Pesos, almost 23,000USD, using his actress wife's credit cards. apparently, the actress wife was fed up with paying up his bills and wants out of the marriage. It was not the first time that he owed this kind of money. He didn't have a permanent job in the Philippines at all. As with the guy who recanted his confession, Medel, according to his neighbors,the day before the news broke out, he bragged to his neighbors that he killed the actress and it was Rod who masterminded it. His neighbors didn't believed him and thought he was crazy. According investigators, he killed his wife so he can get the insurance but later found out that the insurance beneficiary was the actress' daughter. The investigators submitted the evidence late that was why Rod Strunk was released from California Jail. For more information, check the archives of Philippine newspapers e.g. Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer etc..  written by TANING! , July 14, 2007 WHAT A POETIC JUSTICE... MAYBE HIS CONSCIENCE CALLED! GO TO HELL, SUCKER! YAWA KANG DAKO! written by Kaye Torres , July 14, 2007
To Zimmerman, don't be so naive, of course am not Kaye Torres! But what I wrote is true. Check Just94g's post. Of course Rod's case was never anything more than money. Plain and simple. Poor, poor, poor....
 written by reindeer , July 14, 2007
i think it is really not up to us to judge whether or not rod strunk was guilty of murdering his wife. and i think, with the justice system in the Philippines, it will take forever to be solved. with his death, i believe the investigation on ms. blanca's death will be much more laxed, if not closed all together. even the Philippines' Justice Secretary has said that: "Now that he's dead, his extradition [and] murder case are already moot and academic."
i think, though ms. blanca's death has not (yet) seen justice here on earth, she will still be given the justice she deserves come judgment day. whether or not mr. strunk killed her, he, like all of us, will also be judged by God. we should not rejoice on the grief of others. if rod strunk died, in an apparent suicide, we shouldn't be happy. his family, i am certain, is grieving his untimely demise. it does not mean he's been haunted, nor does it mean he's guilty. we do not know what transpired in his life after the extradition was denied, to cause him to resort to such a tragic end. let's just pray that both he & ms. blanca will be given true justice when God passes his judgement. ps. i am a filipino & i've been a fan of ms. blanca since i was young (i'm only 27). i don't want to pass judgment on anyone who are only alleged to have killed her. until proven otherwise, i believe they should be considered as innocent. written by Tom Benigno , July 14, 2007
Sam Matthew's knew he had a story here the day it was printed.
Benigno  written by Pilipina , July 14, 2007
There have been a lot of discussions here about the death of this man. I do not know if he killed his wife or not. For those of you who knew and liked this man, I offer my sympathies.
However, as a Filipina, I grew up watching Ms. Nida Blanca. She was a gifted actress who started her career at a very young age and saw it continue until to day she died. Everyone who met her has nothing but praise for her kindness and humility. She is grieved up to this date because of the legacy she left with us. Her death was very violent and a great tragedy our small but proud country. We feel that she did not deserve to die like she did. Whether or not Mr. Strunk killed her or not, she does not deserve to have her name smeared just so some people can justify her violent death. Please do not claim that she had enemies in that tone like it was her fault someone killed her. Just because a person is as popular as Ms. Blanca does not necessary mean she had enemies. Hers is the type of celebrity that is loved not hated or envied, but respected and revered. And any Filipino will attest to this.  written by Curious , July 14, 2007
If those people say they know him (Rod) why did they not know he's living in an Inn? If you so care about him don't you ask about his problems? How he's doing? Doesn't this tell you this man is full of mystery or secrets? Maybe he's back to his old vises, gambling?
 written by Mack Lizalde , July 14, 2007
GOOD FOR YOU ROGER! JUSTICE IS SERVE FOR FILIPINA ACTRESS NIDA BLANCA!!! YOU HAVE ESCAPED THE CLAWS OF THE PHILIPPINE JUSTICE, BUT DEFINITELY CAN'T ESCAPE THE SWING OF JUSTICE OF FATE.
 written by huh? , July 14, 2007
Rod wasn't "living" at the Tracy Inn. He had been staying there for three days. I've stayed at hotels for more than three days and never considered myself to have lived there. Sure, Rod had his problems, just like anybody else does (although I'll admit mine are close-to-none in comparrison to what he has gone through during his life). Just because someone accused him of a crime doesn't mean he did it, especially when there is no physical evidence to link him to it. This case wasn't "OJ Simpson," "Robert Blake" or "Phil Spector." Those who compare his case to any of those others can't draw up any similarities except for the celebrity status of the victim and the supposed suspect. Also, just because he fell from two stories up doesn't mean it was an intentional fall. Who attempts suicide from 20 feet up? There was no note, and for those of you who say he was worried about facing a trial in the Philippines, at this point he would have had the system beat (if he was indeed guilty). People (including police officers, at times) are quick to jump to conclusions.hy is everyone so quick to rule out an accidental fall? There's just as much evidence (if not more) to support that theory as there is to support a suicide.
 written by Jenna , July 14, 2007
man,those that are accusers here and if you have not committed any sin, go to Mr. Strunk's funeral and throw a stone to his lifeless body. I don't know Rod Strunk nor I know Nida Blanca... But according to the Holy Bible, we are all sinners and God said no one is righteous. God considers all sins the same. Have you not lied? Aren't you bearing false witness because you don't really know who killed Nida? Have you covet your neighbor's wife or property? Have you looked at a man or a woman with lust? C'mon now--- When God does His judgment, He is basing His judgment on His Ten Commandments. Review God's commands. Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones, meaning people who have faults should not pass judgment... that means all of us. Let God be God, and don't act like Him because you are just adding sins to His heavenly records...
 written by FPJ , July 14, 2007
For many years, Nida was the financial provider in their relationship. Rod use to live a comfortable life with her 'til Rod got hooked into drugs. Rod was in state of hallucination caused by Shabu (poor man's cocaine in the philippines) when Nida was killed. Rod's brain was consumed and drained by drugs. Lately his health cannot cope-up with the the hallucination of his brain. Rod lost his brain's motor function which led to his suicide.
written by huh? , July 14, 2007
Who the hell is this FPJ? Sounds like he gets his "facts" from Michael Moore. Seriously, where did you get that crap from?
 written by pinoy , July 14, 2007
it's not strunk fault that he got off the hook. it's philip medel who recanted and the philippine govt who couldn't provide evidence to implicate strunk
written by Jenna , July 14, 2007
huh?
FPJ are initials for a Filipino actor who already passed away. Some Filipinos that are posting here have been using names of actors in P.I. He just posted to accuse--a FALSE WITNESS who likes to destroy someone's reputation, and dead at that. His kind is a dime a dozen. No respect for people who are no longer with us. He is most likely describing himself--and blame others to justify his own drug use. sad, sad, sad...  written by Phil , July 14, 2007
I am a naturalized American but born a Filipino. I am not a fan nor a relative of Nida Blanca or Rod Strunk. What I am stating are just what I read in the papers through their web cites.
Rod Strunk was a leech in the marriage between Blanca and him. Financially he survives only because of the thriving career of Blanca. His credit cards he keeps maxing it out and because Blanca is using her heart not her brains pays the balance in full. Rod Strunk got so swell headed that aside from his spending habbits got hooked into the drug habbit of Shabu or the poor man metamphetamine. Because of Rod's laziness Blanca wants out of the marriage and changed her will to have the beneficiary as her daughter Kate including the house that they live in. The extradition process got so convoluted everyone was hoping the people in the government of the Philippines their was doing their job in terms of supporting documents but ended up pointing to each other on who is at fault. It was between NBI and the Justice Department each one of them too busy politicking as usual. So the red tape in the Philippine Government benefitted Rod in his fight against extradition. He was not extradited. When the NBI Chief suddenly died from stoke then the extradition fight disappeared with him. No one is glad another person died I certainly am not I just hope the people who are gone will rest in peace. written by Jenna , July 15, 2007
Phil...
Are those enough reasons (about Strunk supposedly lifestyle) to judge that Strunk killed Nida? If the Phil govt can't find evidence to implicate Strunk, don't you think that there's no case at all.. Most of the stories that came out were hearsays. It's true that when a spouse died, the husband or wife is the main suspect. But in any case, substantial evidence and valid ones will make the case; or break it if there's no evidence. There is more deeper reasoning for Filipinos to jump into conclusions on Strunk's being the killer. Strunk was an American; most Filipinos are very anti-Americans. Nida was well loved by her countrymen-- well, what do we expect would be the verdict of the Filipinos right away? You said you hope the people who are gone will rest in peace. How can they rest in peace, when people down here on earth are not giving them peace. This happened in 2001---Jesus said we should forgive 70 times 7-- in anything. God said He will not forgive those who do not know how to forgive. Isn't that enough reason to stop pointing fingers to the deceased Strunk and move on with life. We should be more concerned of our own souls--are we on the right standing with God? All of us will die--God forgives people even murderers if they have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. What if Strunk did just that? We don't know, do we? If he did, who then are going to be judged by God and would be sent to the pit of hell? If Jeses forgave the murderer next to Him at the Calvary, what's the difference with Strunk? Who are we then to judge someone we don't know anything about but by just the stories we read and heard. Isn't that called being HYPOCRITES-- written by Pilipina , July 15, 2007
Jenna:
You obviously DO NOT know Filipinos for you to state that most Filipinos are anti-Americans. Are you intimately connected to MOST Filipinos, have first-hand knowledge of our hearts and minds? Do you personally know that MOST Filipinos have passed judgement on Strunk at all? You spew stuff about God and judging other people yet you have the gall to make such a sweeping statement about an ENTIRE NATION OF PEOPLE you obviously know so little about. TALK ABOUT HYPOCRISY... written by Jenna , July 15, 2007
Pilipina--
I am Filipina---very knowledgeable of our roots...Nagbabasa ako ng news sa Pilipinas palagi. Wala akong narinig na may kumampi kay Strunk. Almost all nagjudge agad. I am not saying all Filipinos... I said MOST-- nakita mo naman kung paano natin siraan ang mga Amerkano... narinig ko rin ang reklamo ng mga Pilipino against sa Amerkano na tumulong sa atin para maging independent ang country natin. I am telling facts, not fiction... Mahal ko rin ang mga kababayan natin, pero hindi ako blind sa mga shortcomings natin.  Lumaki rin ako sa Pilipinas...sorry kung nasaktan ko ang damdamin mo at "nasagasaan" kita. written by Pilipina , July 15, 2007
Jenna: Filipina ka pala... Ang galing mo namang magcomment about our kababayans at sa foreign forum pa. Yung mga katulad mo na nangungunang pumuna sa kapwa Pilipino ang dahilan kung bakit hindi umaangat ang mga Pilipino.
First and foremost, Mr. Strunk was not prosecuted for the murder of his wife because he was American. How can you know this for a FACT? His nationality had nothing to do with that at all. He could have come for any country and he would still be a suspect. For you to comment that his being American had something to do with why he was prosecuted at all is maligning an entire people. San mo nabasang news from the Phils na kaya suspect si Strunk eh kasi Amerikano siya? Tapos sasabihin mong you are telling facts, not fiction??? Isn't it true that even here in the US, when a person is murdered, the first suspect is the spouse? That is common knowledge. I know my thinking he is a viable suspect had nothing to do with him being American at all. On this forum alone, there are a couple of comments that were obviously made by Filipinos who have witheld judgement Mr. Strunk's guilt. Nabasa mo ba yun?? Did you stop to think for one moment how dangerous that comment is to the thousands of Filipinos in the US? This forum is read by mostly Americans. Even saying MOST instead of ALL is extremely inaccurate. I contend that your statement is entirely false. In fact, MOST Filipinos love anything American from their movies to their music to their tv shows. We even love their products, from shampoos to chocolates. I think the largest seller of imported consumer products in the Philippines is the US. To claim to be a Filipina yourself while making this sweeping statement is offensive.  written by Phillip , July 15, 2007
I think the Philippines allow Rod to go back in the Philippines because evidence against him was insufficient. But it doesnt mean he was innocent. Remember that his crime was murder hence needed an evidence beyond reasonable doubt. Sadly, Rod did it cleanly. Now, he died because it is his time...
 written by Braxxx , July 15, 2007
Jenna,
So what kung nagbabasa ka ng news sa pilipinas palagi? Puro ka narinig at nabasa ko. but what about the so called silent majority na mayroong opinion in their minds? nababasa mo din ba ito? Para kang pastor pero mukhang hindi ka naman credible ksai parang you only sound like my "lola". You are using religion to convince readers to be on your side. Very manipulative. You are trying to burrow down to the emotional space of the reader in presenting your case. And please do not make this as a Filipino-American case. Pati pagsisiraan sa amerikano na hindi naman dapat sabihin dito isinali mo pa. Sa sarili mo na lang yun. Mag present ka ng case mo and let the reader decide. Hindi yung may religion ka pa and started talking about independence. Ang tagal na nun a? I am a practicing catholic but that doesn't qualify me to teach and preach about my faith. Kung mag preach ka parang ikaw lang ang may alam nitong pinagsasabi mo. Kaya nagkakagulo ang simple conversations kapag ipinapasok na ang religion. Wala kang ipinagkaiba sa mga taong naghihingi ng donation sa labas ng mga restaurants preaching religion and stating that they are the only ones that will be save because of the practice of their faith. And do not ever talk about filipinos like you are our representative. Yah, ahuh, talking about "Hypocrite".  written by Noddy , July 15, 2007
It so sad that even Filipinos are trying hard to be "Americans". And Americans continue to abuse their being little Sams. Anyway, Rod Strunk had to die so much as Dorothy Jones did. We all love them. But now it is time to wonder why all this happened.
 written by Chetaa-eh , July 15, 2007
Tama ka sa iyong mga sinabi Pilipina. Sige ipaglaban mo ang bansa natin! Nasa Likod mo ako. Ikaw Jenna, get your facts right. Think, then write. In that order.
 written by alfie , July 15, 2007
the first thing that came to my mind when nida was murdered was who benefited from this murder.second,many are saying that rod is totally dependent on nidas income,so he killed his milking cow,what a brainless thing to do.as far as i know,he didnt get anything from nida after her death.finally as the report says he ended his life.again,who benefited from his death?in my own opinion this case is deep.
written by Phil , July 15, 2007
To Jenna, I do believe that all suspects are innocent until proven guilty. All of the situations i stated can be easily substantiated. Yong credit card yong police blotter niya sa durug at yong panlalamang niya kay Nida. All of those are not hearsays. The hearsay part is the actual moment when the killing was done because it was early at dawn in the sixth floor parking lot of a private building. Who the heck can be there to witness the event. Only the killer and his accomplish has seen and was in the event. The accomplish recanted his original statement that is why US extradition needed substantiation. Ever heard of the Scot/Lacy Peterson case. Cirumstantial evidence and his lies earned Scot double death but nobody witnessed the actual slaying of Lacy.
Unfortunately I have dealt to oblivion my Catholic Faith. I am now godless. I am with George Carlin on faith which according to my idol is the greatest bulls**t of all. God can not even correct the global warming and it is people who is causing it so people is more powerful than god. Let me see what your God can do with the extincion of the sun thats a few billion years from now but your blood relatives will be extinct unless technology can find another solar system equivalent for which the earth can revolve. I do believe that once a body is dead he is kaput. Pope Benedict even abolished Limbo, what a fucking clown. He makes it obvious that religion is man made and god is fairy tale. What I am just hihglighting is the inefficiency of a third world government affecting the lives of its citizen. Whoever they are dont deserve to be in office. Philippines is one of those. The only reason why they can not prosecute Strunk is because he is here and not there but he is the suspect because he has the motive.  written by iliot , July 15, 2007
jenna
did you know that we are the nation that have the most number of U.S. visa application in the whole world? How can you say that filipinos were anti-americans? stick to the issue!  written by karlo pogi , July 15, 2007
I juz want to say hi to Rico Blanco and his former bandmates RIVERMAYA.., Your d men....
 written by Rod Strunk , July 15, 2007
I killed Nida Blanca, for all to know! I am guilty of the crime. I did it because I want the "big" money in savings. I know, Nida will not give me any shares on her savings. So better kill her for that! So if you want to know more about me, go in front of your mirror every 12 midnight on the same date of my death. And say 5 times, Rod Strunk. And surely I will talk to you. But really I killed Nida, and I will do it also to you.. call me...
 written by farfur bafur , July 15, 2007
Hey, nasa-ibang bansa na kayo nagkakagulo pa rin kayo.Let the time past and let the history tell the truth. Ipakita ninyo na ang mga Filipino ay may sariling kasarinlan,maaasahan at nagkakaisa. tigilan na ang siraan at crab mentality. Show them Flipino...Filipino...Filipino...,Hoy! Pinoy tayo.
written by ril rod strunk , July 15, 2007
big money in savings? we share the same account,i can withdraw any amount anytime.in the past she alwayas bail me out of trouble amounting to million,she loves me,and im living a very comfortable life with her.im a contented cow.im dead because of envy,hatred and deceit.il make your life exciting by finding out who did it.and most of all who benefited from all these. guess who mr. bogus strunk
 written by rose , July 15, 2007
alfie
Nope, im not bashing U but "other" people said that Rod thought he was the beneficiary of Nida's life insurance thats why he killed her (of course, not proven) it turned out its Nida's daughter who is/was beneficiary. Nida changed it without Rods knowledge. So, if its all true that He indeed paid someone to kill her...in his mind, he thought he will get a large sum of money. who really knows, unless Rod left something that admitting what HE did to Nida we will never know the truth.  written by huwemai , July 15, 2007
Rod strunk was there when the murder happened! He was with Philip Medel! They took Nida blanca to their car and stabbed her with a pointed umbrella.. Strunk did not even shed a tear during the interview.. He's not a great actor!
written by alfie , July 15, 2007
other people says.in law its what we call hearsay.if you were in his shoes,will you kill your wife a celebrity,and get investigated and experience the greatest ordeal of your life.surely you can find a way to find know whos the real beneficiary of that insurance.youre old and shes the one supprting you,the risks you know.im not convince that he did it.no one in his right mind will do such thing
written by huwemai , July 15, 2007
Rod strunk and Nida Blanca lived in the same house but in two different rooms for 2 years already before the murder. I really dont know the reason why but there must be a pretty good reason why. Rod strunk was jobless but often seen in the casino, where the hell does he get his money> I dont know.. maybe from her wife who still at old age work as an actress..?
u should have seen his face during his interview a few hours right after her wife's death... he was trying hard to act though. Well.. he sowed what he reap.. at least now we know he has a conscience...  written by Katsi , July 15, 2007
Rod Strunk did not commit suicide because he missed his wife..he cannot live on with the image of Nida being killed replayed in his mind as long as he lives..he should have gone back to clear his name...he fled the Phils. because he is guilty!!
 written by rokx , July 15, 2007
i don't know if he did or he didn't. whether he planned it and took part or not. i jsut hope that both their souls are finally able to rest in peace. We all have to account for our actions whether here on earth or not...
 written by brian , July 15, 2007
You people just dont know how Ms. Nida Blanca is good..even though she dont know me..still she does not deserve on what had happened to her.I still believe Mr. Struck is the brain of the killings...Sorry to sa say guys from US...But still Mr. Strunk did not escape the justice in heaven or shall I say from hell.May Ms.Nida Blance rest in peace and Mr. Strunk rest in HELL!!!!!!!!!!!
written by brian , July 15, 2007
By the way sorry for the people who loves or liked Mr.Srunk...Brian from Dubai,UAE
 written by Reader , July 15, 2007
http://www.newsflash.org/2002/07/sb/sb002293.htm
Read on... If Strunk wasn't guilty, why didn't he fly back to the Philippines after the death of his mom? I heard the BTK (Bind, Torture, & Kill) Killer was also a very pleasant person.  written by nida justice , July 15, 2007
acording to reports, rod strunk was trying to get nida to sign her will and testament making him the sole beneficiary but nida refused. she is said to have uttered as heard by witnesses, palamunin lang kita (i fed you meaning somebody who's leech/parasite). the witnesses testified they saw a WHITE guy with 2 men
written by nida justice , July 15, 2007
and most filipinos were not aware that Nida's husband is a caucasian
it's not common knowledge that he married a caucasian until rod strunk appeared on TV to make a statement about her death  written by lone wolf , July 16, 2007
trust me when he was in the philipines we've investigated him.i went deep undercover and found out strong evidence to implicate him,as well as some of the so called nida blanca filipino relative co consiprators to the killing are in hiding. you all heard of closet killers and those blinded by the helsinki syndrome (paty hearst)like jeffry damer and the likes.. this one takes the cake and ate it fortunately he died choking on the icing.. same way he left the wife.
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