Veteran broadcaster Mike Enriquez has died at the age of 71, GMA Network confirmed on Tuesday.

Holding back tears, Mel Tiangco broke the news of Enriquez’s passing on the primetime newscast ”24 Oras.”

“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,” GMA Network said in a statement.

“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,” it added.

He is survived by his wife, Lizabeth “Baby” Yumping.

Enriquez had a decades-long career in the broadcast industry, which began in 1969 at the Manila Broadcasting Company. He also worked for other media companies until he transferred to GMA Network in 1995, where he led its radio division.

He was one of the anchors of “24 Oras” and hosted the long-running public affairs program ”Imbestigador,” as well as dzBB’s “Super Balita sa Umaga” and “Saksi sa Dobol B.”

The seasoned newscaster had been transparent about his health problems.

He took a leave of absence in 2018 to undergo a heart bypass procedure. He received a kidney transplant in December 2021, which necessitated three months of isolation.

He returned to his broadcasting duties in March 2022, in time for GMA’s coverage of the 2022 presidential election.

Enriquez would have turned 72 next month.