Havana, August 15 (RHC-PL)-- The president of the Association of Cuban Journalists (UPEC), Antonio Moltó, died in Havana in the early morning hours of Tuesday, August 15th, at the age of 74, a victim of cancer.

Moltó, with more than 50 years of work, stood out for his professionalism and revolutionary spirit, qualities that earned him the respect, sympathy and affection of his colleagues.

Before the revolution, he collaborated with the July 26 Movement, participated in protests and demonstrations. He attended the funeral procession of young martyr, Frank País, and took part in the April 1958 strike.

After the revolutionary triumph in January 1959, he became a founding member of the Association of Young Rebels and other organizations such as the Revolutionary National Militias, the Cuban Workers Confederation and the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution.

He participated in mobilizations against the U.S.- sponsored mercenary invasion at Playa Giron (Bay of Pigs) in central Cuba, the October missile crisis, and others.

He joined UPEC in 1967 and became a member of the Cuban Communist Party in 1970.

Antonio Moltó spared no effort, even at the expense of his health and his time, to maintain unity, professionalism of the guild.  His ethical performance dignified the work of the Cuban press.

He received the Jose Marti National Journalism Award for lifetime achievements, the National Radio Award and the replica of Generalissimo Maximo Gomez's machete.  He was elected president of UPEC in July 2013.