It’s the end of an era as veteran broadcast journalist and 24 Oras anchor Mike Enriquez passed away on Tuesday, August 29, leaving not only his colleagues in the news industry devastated, but the whole nation, as well.
This sad news became even more painful with his longtime colleague, veteran broadcast journalist Mel Tiangco, announcing it on 24 Oras’ airing that evening, trying her best to be the professional anchor she has always been. Despite being able to keep it together, Tiangco’s gesture and tone reflected profound loneliness.
On different social media platforms, netizens uploaded the video of the seasoned newscaster, extending messages of love and expressing sadness at the thought that she, a good friend of Enriquez, had to confirm his demise.
Many were also saddened watching Vicky Morales go emotional when she and her fellow anchor Emil Sumangil joined Tiangco for the news program’s closing.
Aside from 24 Oras, Enriquez hosted the long-running GMA Public Affairs program Imbestigador, and had been part of the broadcast industry since 1969 and the GMA Network since 1995, serving the Filipino news audience for over half a century.
“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,” GMA said in a statement.
Traffic Digest is one with the nation that mourns the death of a news industry legend.