Newsmakers of 2014: 24 Oras regional anchors reveal what tops their lists

As the whole world ushers in the new year, the frontliners of GMA’s regional newscasts  recently rebranded as 24 Oras  reveal what’s on top of their list of the biggest news items in the regions in 2014. They also share a glimpse of what viewers can expect from the Kapuso news programs in their respective regions.

Bobby Nalzaro, 24 Oras Central Visayas: “The biggest news item for me in 2014 was the fatal shooting of Cebuano trial lawyer Noel Archival, and two of his bodyguards. Policemen from the Highway Patrol Group 7 were tagged in the killing. It was a challenging coverage and GMA was the only network that was able to do a live broadcast at the scene of the crime thanks to its Digital Media News Gathering (DMNG) facility. With the rebranding of the regional newscast, viewers can be assured of a better and wider coverage. We will bring the viewers to where the heart of the news is. They can also expect to see better segments.”

Lawyer Rose Versoza, 24 Oras Central Visayas: “Post-Yolanda stories aside, the ambush-killing of lawyer Noel Archival and the alleged involvement of high-ranking police officials in the crime was the biggest story for 2014. The victim was a well-known and well-loved personality and his murder was action, drama and even comedy rolled into one.

“Along with the rebranding of Balitang Bisdak to 24 Oras Central Visayas, viewers could expect the best news coverage through in-depth treatment and better presentation of stories.”

Tek Ocampo, 24 Oras Southern Mindanao: “The murder of billionaire businessman Richard King is the biggest story of the year. It was a very interesting story not only because Mr. King owns several chains of hotels both local and abroad, but also because of the circumstances, and the alleged involvement of a senior officer of the Philippine National Police. The case was considered closed by the PNP after formal charges were filed against the alleged mastermind Senior Superintendent Leonardo Felonia, head of the Regional Intelligence Unit XI of the PNP and the alleged gunman Paul Dave Labang and brothers Rommel and Rodel dela Cerna who served as look-out and driver of the get-away vehicle.”

Gerthrode Charlotte Tan, 24 Oras Western Visayas: “I would consider the P150B investment for the Iloilo Business Park the biggest story for the region.

“24 Oras Western Visayas will definitely set new trends in the region. It will be the newscast to beat.”

Lawyer Jobert Peñaflorida, 24 Oras Western Visayas: “The Binay Brouhaha — from the overpriced Makati Parking Building to the ‘Hacienda Binay’ and more. Certainly, the controversies surrounding the second highest official of the land and the frontrunner in the 2016 Presidential Elections have hogged the headlines many times over and have eclipsed the allegations of corruption leveled against other top officials. This trend will certainly spill over to 2015 and beyond.

“The rebranding of GMA Newscasts will certainly rock and intensify the competition at the regional level. In the case of 24 Oras Western Visayas, the rebranding spells more exclusive and compelling stories, more in-depth one-on-one interviews with the hottest newsmakers and more heartwarming public service activities in line with GMA’s brand of Serbisyong Totoo.”

CJ Torida, 24 Oras North Central Luzon: “The early birds of the 2016 elections. It is a proof that politics is an arena of ‘spending’ time, effort and money, plus the fact that they are uncertain if they catch the worms or not.

“Kapuso viewers can expect a much better and stronger Serbisyong Totoo in 2015.”

Joe Legaspina, 24 Oras Northern Mindanao: “For me, the biggest news in Northern Mindanao was the RTMI bus bombing incident in Maramag, Bukidnon last Dec. 9, 2014. I consider this incident noteworthy because of the number of casualties — 10 people died, some of whom are students of a nearby university, the Central Mindanao University.

“The rebranding will increase the newscast’s reach in Northern Mindanao considering the popularity of the 24 Oras brand. The integrity and credibility of 24 Oras from Manila rubs off on the regional newscast.”

Elmer Caseles, 24 Oras Bikol: “The biggest story in Bicol in 2014 for me would be the onslaught of Typhoon Glenda in July. This was the first typhoon that hit mainland Bicol in more than 10 years. In a sense, it broke the false sense of security for many Bicolanos who had been spared by the many storms that hit the country, including Typhoon Yolanda. Glenda reminded us of the continued threat of natural calamities and of global warming. In many areas of Bicol, traces of Glenda’s wrath are still evident.

“Expect faster delivery of news aided by the latest news gathering technology which will enable us to air news materials from more live points. A wide variety of stories and presentations that reflect the uniqueness and the identity of the region are also to be expected.”

Jorge Guerrero, 24 Oras Ilokano: “What excites me about the rebranding is the joining of forces of all of GMA’s regional news programs and its flagship nationwide primetime news program, 24 Oras.

“There is no other way to put it: 2014 was indeed a huge year and the past 12 months featured a number of major events that captivated the entire country. For sure, 2015 is going to be another big year for news. And viewers can get the latest and biggest news on the Philippines and the world via 24 Oras, which airs from GMA Manila and all seven GMA originating stations in Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Dagupan, Cagayan de Oro, Bicol and Ilocos.”