Marcos mourns death of veteran broadcast journalist Mike Enriquez

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Wednesday sent his condolences to the family and loved ones of veteran broadcast journalist and GMA Network pillar Mike Enriquez, who passed away on Tuesday.

"We are saddened by news of the passing of veteran anchor Mike Enriquez, a pillar in our broadcasting industry. He dedicated his life to delivering unbiased news to the Filipino people," Marcos said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"Our heartfelt thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this time," he added.

In an earlier statement, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil expressed her deep sympathies on Enriquez's demise.

"Tayo ay nakikiramay sa pamilya at mga kaanak na naiwan ng ating kaibigan sa media na si Mike Enriquez," Garafil said.

(We condole with the grieving family and relatives of our friend in the media industry, Mike Enriquez.)

"Si Mike ay isa sa mga mamamahayag na ating itinuturing na kasangga sa paghahatid ng tapat at walang kinikilingang balita. Tunay na ang kanyang kontribusyon sa larangan ng pagbabalita ay hindi matatawaran," she added.

(Mike is among our colleagues who are with us in delivering unbiased news. His contribution in the news industry is truly unwavering.)

Enriquez passed away on Tuesday at the age of 71. He took a medical leave in December 2021 to undergo a kidney transplant and returned to work in time for the 2022 election coverage.

Enriquez was one of the anchors of GMA's flagship newscast "24 Oras" and hosted long-running GMA Public Affairs program "Imbestigador."  —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA Integrated News