Mike Enriquez signs off

(UPDATE) HIGHLY respected and trusted television and radio news anchor Miguel "Mike" Enriquez passed away on Tuesday after battling prolonged complications from several medical issues and procedures in late 2021. His longtime home network, GMA, confirmed the news at the end of its flagship prime-time broadcast, "24 Oras," which Enriquez anchored since its inception in 2004. He was 71 years old.

Miguel 'Mike' Enriquez

It was his permanent co-anchor, Mel Tiangco, who emotionally announced her partner's passing at the telecast, immediately followed by a carefully detailed video tribute to recall his stellar career in media.

GMA Network simultaneously released a statement that said: "It is with profound sadness that GMA Network announces the passing of our beloved Kapuso, Mr. Miguel 'Mike' C. Enriquez, who peacefully joined our Creator on August 29, 2023.

"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 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 statement ended.

Good friend and fellow newscaster Arnold Clavio hinted at Enrique's demise late Tuesday afternoon via a blackened Instagram post with only a small, lit candle on the bottom frame.

Seemingly at a loss for words, Enrique's industry colleagues immediately filled Clavio's comments section with weeping and praying hands and heart emojis, the earliest ones from Kapuso broadcasters Connie Sison, Oscar Oida, Nelson Canlas, Kathy San Gabriel and Lala Roque as well as Kapuso artists Shaira Diaz, Miriam Quiambao, and Wendell Ramos.

It was in December when Enriquez took a medical leave to address his health problems, the most serious of which required a kidney transplant. Following a successful operation, he underwent a three-month period of isolation to minimize the risk of infections and complications. He eagerly returned to his news programs in March 2022 just as the national election coverage went full blast, even if he had yet to recover fully. Sadly, still not up to it, he was forced to take another medical leave three months later, this time indefinitely.

In November 2022, Clavio dispelled rumors Enriquez had died when fake news started spreading on social media, triggering a barrage of condolence messages. Clavio declared he had just spoken to his senior, even adding, "He'll be back soon." Enriquez' loyal followers were excited at the prospect but the broadcast legend could no longer return on air.

Esteemed figure in broadcasting

Known for his unique catch phrases such as "Excuse me po," "Pasensiya na po," and "Hindi namin kayo tatantanan," Enriquez served as GMA's consultant for Radio Operations, president of the Regional and Radio subsidiary, RGMA Network Inc., and station manager of Super Radyo DZBB 594 AM.