Atom Araullo resigns from ABS-CBN

“Working with ABS-CBN for over a decade has been an amazing adventure,” Atom Araullo said. (Photo: Atom Araullo/Facebook)

MANILA, Philippines—Journalist Atom Araullo on Friday has resigned from his home network ABS-CBN, after working for the television giant for over a decade.

In statement released by ABS-CBN News, Araullo thanked ABS-CBN for helping him become the journalist he is today.

Araullo left ABS-CBN to pursue opportunities outside the television network.

“Working with ABS-CBN for over a decade has been an amazing adventure. However, the time came to explore emerging opportunities and challenges beyond the organization. Although I am taking a new path, I have nothing but respect and gratitude for the company that helped me become the journalist I am today,” he said.

“To all hardworking men and women of ABS-CBN, maraming maraming salamat [thank you very much],” he added.

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READ: @atomaraullo‘s statement on his decision to leave ABS-CBN | via @ukgdos pic.twitter.com/WdHnXWriac

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) September 14, 2017

In a separate statement, ABS-CBN confirmed that it has accepted Araullo’s resignation. It also recognized that the experience Araullo gained from working in their network has equipped the journalist to pursue opportunities in the country and abroad.

“ABS-CBN has allowed journalist Atom Araullo to explore new interests in film, broadcast, and digital media outside of the company. Atom says the training and exposure he got from the network as reported and TV host have equipped him to try out other opportunities in the media industry here and abroad,” the statement read.

“ABS-CBN wishes Atom all the best in his future endeavors. He will always be a Kapamilya,” the network said.

READ: ABS-CBN statement on Atom Araullo’s departure from the network. pic.twitter.com/heSzakoO5W

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) September 14, 2017

Araullo started working for ABS-CBN in the morning show Breakfast aired on ABS-CBN-owned Studio 23. He later hosted Y Speak, Basta Sports, Kalye, Patrol ng Pilipino, Hiwaga, RealiTV, Umagang Kay Ganda, Red Alert and reported for TV Patrol and Bandila.

The 34-year old journalist had initially resigned as news reporter for ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs in August 2016 but remained as host of Umagang Kay Ganda and Red Alert. His resignation was rumored to be a result of having strong opinions against a hero’s burial for former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

Ging Reyes, head of ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs, debunked this rumor by releasing a statement on Araullo’s resignation from “reportorial duties”.

“He said he arrived at this decision to be able to pursue other endeavors that would also help him grow as a journalist and as a host,” Reyes said.

Araullo is top-billing feature film Citizen Jake, the comeback film of veteran director Mike De Leon whose films include Batch ’81, Kisapmata (In Just the Wink of an Eye), Sister Stella L, and Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising (Moments in a Stolen Dream), among others.

He is playing Jake Herrera, a journalist like himself. Araullo is also the co-writer of the film’s script.