In a somber moment, news anchors Mel Tiangco, Vicky Morales, and Emil Sumangil paid their respects to the late veteran broadcaster Mike Enriquez, who passed away on Tuesday. The news of Enriquez’s death was confirmed by GMA Network, where he had been a pillar for many years.

“Sa mahigit limang dekada niya sa industriya ng broadcasting, hindi maikakaila ang tatak at kontribusyon ni Mike Enriquez sa trabahong kanyang minahal nang buong puso,” expressed Tiangco.

Even GMA’s erstwhile rival, ABS-CBN, acknowledged the loss. Kabayan Noli De Castro, a fellow broadcaster, fondly remembered his interactions with Enriquez during their coverage assignments.

Enriquez, a stalwart of GMA Network, passed away at the age of 71. He had been one of the anchors of GMA’s flagship newscast, “24 Oras,” and hosted the long-running GMA Public Affairs program “Imbestigador.”

Beyond his on-screen presence, he served as President of RGMA Network, Inc. and held the position of Senior Vice President and Consultant for Radio Operations at GMA Network. He was also known for anchoring DZBB’s “Super Balita sa Umaga” and “Saksi sa Dobol B.”

In a statement, GMA Network expressed profound sadness at the loss of their beloved Kapuso, Mr. Miguel ‘Mike’ C. Enriquez. “He joined the broadcast industry in 1969 and then became part of GMA Network in 1995, wholeheartedly serving the Filipino audience for 54 years,” the statement read. The network’s Board of Directors, management, and employees joined in mourning, remembering Enriquez’s dedication to the industry and his lasting legacy.

Throughout his career, Enriquez garnered numerous awards for his contributions to both radio and television. Just last year, he was recognized as the Most Outstanding Male News Anchor for the fourth consecutive year at the Gawad Lasallianeta Awards.

Enriquez’s passing marks the end of an era in Philippine broadcasting, leaving behind a void that will be deeply felt by colleagues and viewers alike.