<SUBMISSION>
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<PERIOD>20030709
<FILING-DATE>20030710
<ISSUER>
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<CONFORMED-NAME>FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP /OH/
<CIK>0000708955
<ASSIGNED-SIC>6021
<IRS-NUMBER>311042001
<STATE-OF-INCORPORATION>OH
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>1231
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<BUSINESS-ADDRESS>
<STREET1>300 HIGH ST
<CITY>HAMILTON
<STATE>OH
<ZIP>45011
<PHONE>5138674700
</BUSINESS-ADDRESS>
<MAIL-ADDRESS>
<STREET1>300 HIGH ST
<CITY>HAMILTON
<STATE>OH
<ZIP>45011
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<REPORTING-OWNER>
<OWNER-DATA>
<CONFORMED-NAME>LEEP BRUCE E
<CIK>0001167404
</OWNER-DATA>
<FILING-VALUES>
<FORM-TYPE>4/A
<ACT>34
<FILE-NUMBER>000-12379
<FILM-NUMBER>03781561
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<BUSINESS-ADDRESS>
<STREET1>C/O FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP
<STREET2>300 HIGHSTREET PO BOX 476
<CITY>HAMILTON
<STATE>OH
<ZIP>45012
<PHONE>5138674951
</BUSINESS-ADDRESS>
<MAIL-ADDRESS>
<STREET1>3106 CONDIT
<CITY>HIGHLAND
<STATE>IN
<ZIP>46322
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