Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil has cited the outstanding contributions of Mike Enriquez to Philippine journalism as she joined Filipinos in mourning the death of the veteran broadcaster.

Garafil said this after GMA Integrated News confirmed the passing of its long-time news anchor on Tuesday, Aug. 29. He was 71.

In a statement posted by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the Palace official said Enriquez was an ally in the honest news delivery.

"Si Mike ay isa sa mga mamamahayag na ating itinuturing na kasangga sa paghahatid ng tapat at walang kinikilingang balita (Mike is a journalist whom we consider as an ally in delivering honest and fair news)," Garafil said.

"Tunay na ang kanyang kontribusyon sa larangan ng pagbabalita ay hindi matatawaran (Truly, his contribution to the field of journalism is outstanding)," she added.

Garafil, a former journalist herself, extended her condolences to the family and friends of the late broadcaster.

"Tayo ay nakikiramay sa pamilya at mga kaanak na naiwan ng ating kaibigan sa media na si Mike Enriquez (We extend our sympathies to the family and relatives of our friend in the media, Mike Enriquez)," she said.

Despite being unconfirmed then, news about Enriquez's passing circulated on social media on Tuesday afternoon. GMA Integrated News confirmed the report by the end of their flagship primetime newscast, "24 Oras." The news was delivered by a visibly emotional Mel Tiangco, who led the show with Enriquez for almost 20 years.

In a Facebook post, Super Radyo DZBB said GMA Integrated News, upon the request of the Enriquez family, waited for their official statement before publishing the story.

The veteran broadcast journalist also hosted the long-running GMA Public Affairs program "Imbestigador." He also anchored Super Radyo DZBB's "Super Balita sa Umaga" and "Saksi sa Dobol B."

In a statement, GMA Network said its board of directors, management, and employees deeply mourn Enriquez's passing.

"His dedication to the industry will serve as an inspiration to all. We pray for the eternal repose of our beloved Kapuso," the network said of Enriquez, who became part of GMA in 1995.

Enriquez, who joined the broadcast industry in 1969, won many awards for his work in both TV and radio.

In a Facebook post, Super Radyo DZBB said Enriquez took a medical leave in December 2021 to undergo a kidney transplant and returned to work in March 2022 for GMA's election coverage.

In 2018, he also took a medical leave to undergo a heart bypass and get treated for kidney disease.