The seasoned broadcaster and presenter, Mike Enriquez, has passed away at the age of 71, as reported on "24 Oras," a program on GMA News where he had been the news anchor for nearly two decades.
Miguel "Mike" Castro Enriquez would have turned 72 on September 29, just a month after his demise. He leaves behind his wife, Lizabeth "Baby" Yumping.
As a distinguished figure in both television and radio news, Enriquez was a cornerstone of GMA Network. He gained prominence as one of the main anchors of the media giant's flagship news show, "24 Oras," and also hosted the investigative docudrama series "Imbestigador."
Often referred to as "Booma" within the media circle, Enriquez became known for his catchphrases like "Excuse me po!" (Excuse me!), "Hindi ko kayo tatantanan!" (I won't let you off the hook!), and "Naloko na!" (Fooled already!), which eventually became distinctive trademarks of the former radio disc jockey named "Baby Michael."
Beyond his numerous accolades as a news presenter, Enriquez also served as a consultant for GMA's radio operations, overseeing dzBB.
Graduating from De La Salle University, this media veteran also assumed the role of a professor, imparting knowledge on broadcast management at the same institution.
While "24 Oras" co-anchor Mel Tiangco was announcing Enriquez's passing on the program, her voice trembled as she struggled to hold back tears.
"GMA Network sadly reports the passing of our beloved Kapuso and friend, Mike Enriquez," she stated. "Mike had been with us for nearly two decades here on '24 Oras'... For over 50 years, Mike wholeheartedly served the viewers and listeners. He entered the industry in 1969 and became part of GMA Network in 1995."
Tiangco conveyed that the network's board of directors, management, and staff deeply mourned his loss, but his unwavering dedication "will serve as an inspiration to all."
The cause of death was not disclosed in the statement.
Target of Death Rumors Enriquez had long been subjected to death rumors on social media, an issue that persisted since he was hospitalized in December 2021 for a kidney transplant.
In November 2022, fellow Kapuso broadcaster Arnold Clavio, who was his co-anchor on "Saksi sa Double B," found it necessary to dispel death rumors surrounding Enriquez due to his prolonged absence from "24 Oras," as well as their radio program on dzBB.
This came after veteran actress Lollie Mara and singer Richard Merk extended their condolences on Facebook for Enriquez's supposed passing. They promptly removed their posts upon learning of Enriquez's condition and swiftly apologized for the "confusion."
Clavio then revealed that he had spoken with "Ama," referring to Enriquez, who, he said, was lively and very much alive during their conversation.
"My dear ones, I spoke with Ama, Mr. Mike Enriquez. He is alive and well, and his message is: 'Fake news!'" Clavio stated in his Facebook post.
In a separate interview in November 2022, Tiangco shared that she had wanted to inquire about his health but couldn't bring herself to do it.
"I feel hesitant to call, but I really want to. He might think, 'What's this, even I'm being gossiped about?' And I might become sad if he says he's not doing well," she expressed.
After undergoing a kidney transplant the previous year, Enriquez returned to the airwaves in March 2022, just in time for coverage of the 2022 national elections. However, several weeks later, the veteran broadcaster went on leave again.
In addition to his kidney transplant, Enriquez also underwent a heart bypass surgery in 2018.
