Excuse me, but the news that veteran newscaster Mike Enriquez died this Thursday morning, November 10, 2022, is false.

Mike is still alive.

The news that Mike committed suicide spread like wildfire thanks to a Facebook post by singer Richard Merk, who expressed sympathy for the allegedly orphaned family of the Kapuso broadcast journalist.

According to Richard’s Facebook post: “Rest in peace Tito Mike. We will all miss you. A great loss to the news industry. Labyu Tito. My sincere condolences to your loving family and friends. Enjoy the company of our dear creator in heaven.”

GMA Network, Inc. management was immediately contacted by Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP.ph) to clarify the news.

They denied the news because Mike is said to be alive and well and is currently at home with his wife.

When we asked Richard for his reaction, he said he had only seen the Facebook post of character actress Loly Mara, who is said to be Mike’s wife’s friend.

When we checked Loly’s Facebook page, she hadn’t yet deleted her post about Mike’s alleged death.

It reads: “This photo with Mike Enriquez and his wife was taken 3yrs ago at Nora Trajano’s bday. I’m glad I saw Mike after many years and now he’s happy in heaven with the Lord. Rest in peace dear Mike.”

Loly posted about Mike again an hour later to apologize for her error.

“Some persons told me that Mike Enriquez is very much alive! The news I got about his passing was few years ago. Many condoled and no one said otherwise.

“I’m very very sorry if it was a fake news. Forgive me Mike! Sabes que te quiero mucho mi amor [Sa Tagalog, alam mo na mahal na mahal kita my love],” Loly apologized to Mike.

Mike himself answered the phone calls from his friends, who were concerned when the sad news reached them but were relieved to learn it was all a hoax.

“I’m alive!” Mike exclaimed openly to those who called him on his cellphone, including fellow Kapuso broadcaster Arnold Clavio.

Arnold also stated on his Facebook page that the news of Mike’s death is “fake news.”

He states: “Mga minamahal, nakausap ko po si Ama, Mr. Mike Enriquez. Buhay na buhay at ang kanyang mensahe: FAKE NEWS!”

The public’s concern and surprise at the spread of the news cannot be blamed on Mike’s extended absence from 24 Oras. This is due to his medical leave, as he had a kidney transplant procedure in December 2021.

The events are a lesson for everyone, especially those who have not learned and regard the death as breaking news, taking the lead in spreading the word via their social media accounts.

Everyone should remember that only family members can confirm a person’s death, which is a mark of respect for the bereaved relatives as well as the person who lost their life.