Gus Abelgas
Gus Abelgas | |
|---|---|
| Born | Augusto Abelgas October 22, 1962 San Andres, Manila, Philippines |
| Occupation(s) | Broadcast journalist, television host, voice actor |
| Years active | 1987–present |
| Known for | Host of S.O.C.O.: Scene of the Crime Operatives, Gus Abelgas Forensics |
Augusto "Gus" Abelgas (; born on October 22, 1962) is a Filipino broadcast journalist recognized for his contributions to S.O.C.O.: Scene of the Crime Operatives and the program Gus Abelgas Forensics.
Early life and education
Born into a financially challenged family, Abelgas's father worked as a driver while his mother was employed in laundry services. Their family resided as informal settlers in San Andres, Manila. During his youth, he supported his household by selling newspapers.
He obtained a bachelor's degree in journalism from the Lyceum of the Philippines University located in Manila and pursued legal studies; however, he did not succeed in passing the bar exam.
Career
Prior to his tenure at ABS-CBN, Abelgas was employed by the Department of National Defense where he served as a writer for Juan Ponce Enrile. Additionally, he contributed as a reporter for the tabloid People's Journal.
Abelgas became part of ABS-CBN in 1987, joining the TV Patrol news team and covering significant events such as the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo. He eventually focused on investigative journalism.
He hosted crime-related shows including True Crime, Gus Abelgas Nag-uulat, and Private I. Within S.O.C.O.: Scene of the Crime Operatives, he worked closely with law enforcement officers and conducted interviews with both witnesses and suspects, employing a composed demeanor. His investigative efforts have subjected him to numerous death threats due to his exposure of criminal activities.
In 2018, Abelgas lent his voice to the Fairy Godmother character in the fantasy comedy film Fantastica, with authorization from ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs.
Following a three-year break from television, he made a comeback on July 15, 2023, by joining TV5 and Cignal TV to host Gus Abelgas Forensics on One PH.
On October 24, 2025, Abelgas resumed his role as host of S.O.C.O. through a limited docuseries available on iWant, marking his return to ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs after an absence of five years.
Personal life
Abelgas was married to Jocelyn Lising, who served as editor-in-chief for Pilipino Star Ngayon and Pang-Masa. Together they had two children. He became a widower following Lising’s passing on October 31, 2024.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Fantastica | Fairy Godmother | Voice role; special appearance. |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987–2020 | TV Patrol | ||
| 2001–2005 | True Crime and Private I | ||
| 2005–2020; 2025–present | S.O.C.O.: Scene of the Crime Operatives | Host | |
| 2023–2025 | Gus Abelgas Forensics |