Saleema Refran, nagbitiw sa GMA News para sa posisyon sa Office of the Ombudsman

• Saleema Refran has officially transitioned to a position at the Office of the Ombudsman after concluding a prominent 15-year career as a reporter for GMA Integrated News
• She announced her resignation on April 30, marking the end of her long tenure with the Kapuso Network to take on a new role in public service
• In her social media post, she expressed deep gratitude to colleagues, production teams, and field partners who supported her throughout her years in journalism
• She also thanked viewers for their trust and emphasized that her commitment to serving the public will continue in her new role

Veteran news reporter Saleema Refran has formally stepped down from her role as a reporter for GMA Integrated News to join the Office of the Ombudsman as its new Public Information Officer.

Saleema, who served the Kapuso Network for 15 years, announced her resignation on Thursday, April 30, 2026. In a statement posted on her Facebook page, she expressed her gratitude for her tenure with the organization.

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“It is with a grateful heart that I end my 15 years as a Kapuso. Maraming nakilala. Maraming kwentong naibalita at higit sa lahat, maraming aral sa bawat storya. Isa sa pinakamalaking karangalan ng aking buhay ang maging Kapuso at maging bahagi ng pinakamatikas at pinaka-pinagkakatiwalaang pwersa sa pagbabalita,” Saleema wrote.

The reporter highlighted the emotional weight of her transition and paid tribute to the technical and remote operations crew who supported her during major disaster coverages.

“The past weeks have been a blur—of tears, laughter and happy memories. Sa tech boys and ROCs na unang nagpaiyak sa akin sa pagpapaalam, maraming salamat sa buong pusong serbisyo. Sa bawat pagharap natin sa mga bagyo, lindol, pagputok ng bulkan at hamon ng pandemya, umeere tayo sa tulong ninyo. Sa mga cameraman at mga assistant cameraman na nakasangga ko sa bawat storya at sa mga pagsubok na kasama ng mga ito, maraming salamat. Walang “ako” kung wala kayo. Ang bawat storya ko nabubuhay dahil sa galing, tiyaga at sipag ninyo,” she stated.

She also extended her thanks to the anchors, fellow reporters, and the production staff that managed the daily operations of the newsroom.

“Sa Kapuso reporters and anchors, maraming salamat sa paggabay at pagsuporta. Salamat sa pagtulong sa mga exclusive, sa pagdamay sa bawat paghihirap at sa pakikibaka sa bawat hamon ng pagbabalita. Sa lahat ng mga nakatuwang sa loob at labas ng newsroom, mula sa newsdesk hanggang sa production, walang hanggang pasasalamat,” she added.

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Concluding her message, Saleema addressed her viewers, noting that while she is leaving broadcast journalism, she will remain in public service at her new office located across EDSA.

“Sa mga sumubaybay sa aking karera, salamat po sa panonood at pagtitiwala sa akin sa nakalipas na 15 taon. Hindi po nagtatapos dito ang aking pagseserbisyo. No goodbyes, just see you around—sa kabilang gilid na nga lang ng EDSA. At opo, ginalaw ko na po ang ulo ko,” Saleema penned.

In a report last January, GMA News reporter Bam Alegre was rescued after falling into the sea while on duty at the Port Area in Manila. The incident happened while journalists were being transported to the Philippine Coast Guard base area. Bam remained calm and used his training to stay afloat and call for help. After receiving treatment, he resumed his duties and shared his reflections on life.

In July 2025, GMA News reporter Bernadette Reyes shared her experience covering rain and flooding in Metro Manila. A netizen criticized and insulted her online over her post. Bernadette responded firmly but respectfully to the online disrespect. She stood her ground, saying she will continue serving the public despite the criticism.

Source: KAMI.com.gh