A double win for "24 Oras" at the 2009 New York Festivals

GMA-7 flagship-newscast beats international heavyweight CNN and other US networks.

Competing against esteemed international news organizations like CNN and major US networks, GMA News once again proved that it is in a class of its own after its flagship newscast, “24 Oras,” landed twin victories in the prestigious 2009 New York Festivals.

“24 Oras” won the Gold World Medal for coverage of an on-going story, and the Silver World Medal for Best Newscast.

“24 Oras” clinched the Gold World Medal for its reportage on the tragic story of Angelo Abeto, the Marine Corporal who died after his team was ambushed by the Abu Sayyaf in Tipo-tipo, Basilan last August 12, 2008.

The report by GMA Senior Producer Jiggy Manicad stirred a firestorm of controversy after he reported the delay in the evacuation of the imperiled troops for four hours—causing massive blood loss in the severely injured Abeto, leading to his eventual death.

Abeto’s dying words were also caught on cam.

The report bested entries from all over the world—including CNN’s continuing coverage of Iraq, which got the Bronze World Medal for coverage of on-going story.

“The story of Cpl. Angelo Abeto proves we are still a land of heroes. That in the midst of stories about corrupt government officials and manipulative businessmen, there are Filipinos who genuinely love the country,” “24 Oras” executive producer Tonio Magsumbol said.

“It was a very sensitive story in many levels. There’s the helplessness of his comrades in battle while they watched him suffer, the seeming insensitivity of higher-ups to the plight of foot soldiers, the never-ending issue on anomalous procurement of supply and transport, the anguish of the family, and the effect it will have on viewers,” said “24 Oras” program manager John Oliver T. Manalastas.

Manalastas added, “I am elated that ’24 Oras’ rose up to the challenge. It was a notable team effort, with high marks to Jiggy Manicad, his news crew, and Grace dela Peña and Tex Jimenez who were keeping an eye on them from the newsroom.”

The Silver World Medal for Best Newscast, meanwhile, was for the compelling coverage of the Lanao Del Norte Attacks last August 19, 2008.

The GMA news teams of Ivan Mayrina, Maki Pulido, Michael Fajatin and Chino Gaston were able to get dramatic footage of burning houses and properties in the town of Kolambugan—razed by suspected MILF members.

Anchors Mel Tiangco and Mike Enriquez were both thrilled at the double win of “24 Oras” in the New York Festivals.

Mel Tiangco said, “‘24 Oras’ is the product of the hard work of so many men and women dedicated to their profession. But dedication, professionalism, creativity and hard work are not enough. All these have to be harnessed and focused on a very important aspect of the news: walang kinikilingan, walang pinoprotektahan, walang kasinungalingan, Serbisyong Totoo lamang.” 

A sentiment shared by Mike Enriquez, “it is a blessing and an inspiration to work with the men and women of GMA News and Public Affairs.”

Incidentally, there was no Gold World Medal Awardee for Best Newscast in the New York Festivals this year, meaning the Silver World Medal for Best Newscast garnered by “24 Oras” was the highest honor given to a newscast this year.

GMA News vice president Jessica Soho is deeply honored for the recognition. “I am extremely proud of ‘24 Oras.’ It is no mean feat that our humble newscast beat the world’s heavyweights in perhaps the toughest categories of the New York Festival. “Saksi” also won the Gold World Medal for Best Newscast in 2002. With our twin wins now, it’s as if we have gone full circle. It is, to me, an affirmation that GMA News can compete and win against the best in the world.”

Since Marissa L. Flores took the helm of the GMA News and Public Affairs as Senior Vice President, the department has won numerous international awards.