GMA and ABS-CBN anchors paid tribute to veteran newscaster Mike Enriquez, who died on August 29, Tuesday. He was 71.
Enriquez was best known for being the anchor of GMA’s flagship newscasts “24 Oras” and “Saksi.”
Before the official confirmation of Enriquez’s death, “Saksi” anchor Arnold Clavio posted an Instagram post of a lit candle in a dark background, with GMA newscasters and personalities such as Oscar Oida, Nelson Canlas, Shaira Diaz and Connie Sison replying to the past with crying or praying emojis.
Mel Tiangco, who co-anchored “24 Oras” with Enriquez since 2004, confirmed the news of Enriquez’s death in the newscast, reading a statement from GMA lauding the late broadcaster’s contributions to the industry.
“The Board of Directors, management, and employees of GMA Network, Inc. deeply mourn the passing of Mr. Enriquez. His dedication to the industry will serve as an inspiration to all. We pray for the eternal repose of our beloved Kapuso,” the network said in a statement.
“24 Oras” anchors gave tributes to their deceased colleague.
“Sa mahigit limang dekada niya sa industriya ng broadcasting, hindi maikakaila ang tatak at kontribusyon ni Mike Enriquez sa trabahong kaniyang minahal ng buong puso,” Tiangco said.
Emil Sumangil gave a nod to Enriquez’s place in history.
“Siya po ang kasa-kasama namin sa pagtutok sa malalaking balita at sa pagiging saksi sa kasaysayan,” he said.
Vicky Morales, who has been at the newscast’s anchor chair since 2014, described the veteran journalist as “aming kaibigan, kapuso at kasamahan na minahal at inabangan ng milyun-milyong Pilipino.”
Over at ABS-CBN’s “TV Patrol,” the longtime competitor of “24 Oras,” anchors expressed the nation’s shock at Enriquez’s sudden demise.
“Isa na namang malungkot na balita sa isang haligi ng pamamahayag sa ating bansa,” Henry Omaga-Diaz said.
“TV Patrol” anchor Noli De Castro remembered his personal and professional relationship with the television stalwart.
“Tagal-tagal din kaming naging magkaibigan ni Mike,” De Castro said. “Lagi kaming nagkakasabay sa mga live, sa Quiapo, basta may malalaking live, nagkakasabay kami nung may prangkisa pa tayo.”
Enriquez will be remembered for his iconic “Excuse me po” tagline.
Besides “24 Oras,” he hosted the public affairs program “gave tributes to their deceased colleague.” where he gave birth to another famous catchphrase: “Hinding-hindi namin kayo tatantanan.”
During his 54-year run in the business, he served as president of RGMA Network Inc. and senior vice president and consultant for radio operations for GMA Network.
Enriquez etched a name for himself over the radio with his top-rated programs “Super Balita sa Umaga” and “Saksi sa Dobol B.”
The veteran anchor first filed for a medical leave in August 2018 to cure his kidney condition and undergo a scheduled bypass operation. He returned three months later.
Enriquez then briefly left the spotlight in December 2021 to partake in a three-month medical procedure and confinement. He came back in March 2022, at the height of the national elections.
By the end of the “24 Oras” broadcast on Tuesday, Tiangco led applauses for a dear colleague and icon in television.
“Alam niyo, gusto kong palakpakan si Mike. Galing talaga,” she said.
