Broadcast journalist Emil Sumangil has finally addressed public concerns following his sudden absence from GMA Network programs, particularly the primetime newscast ’24 Oras’, over the past few days.
In two videos released by GMA Public Affairs on Saturday, July 12, Sumangil assured viewers that he is safe and well, putting an end to speculations triggered by his exposé on the missing sabungeros case.
“Taos sa puso, ako po ay nagpapasalamat, kasama na ho ang aking mga kasama dito sa GMA Public Affairs, sa Resibo, at siyempre sa GMA Integrated News dahil ho sa pagpapadala ninyo ng mensahe sa inyong lingkod, kinakamusta ako, kung nasaan daw ho ba ko at nawala ako sa ilang programa,” said Emil in the first video.
“Ako’y nagbakasyon lamang at kabaligtaran sa mga ilang naglabasan sa social media, ako po ay buhay na buhay.”
His wife, Michelle Tolentino Sumangil, had earlier requested prayers on July 4—shortly after Emil aired his exclusive interview with whistleblower Julie Patidongan. The interview alleged that gambling tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang was the mastermind behind the disappearance of over 100 cockfighting enthusiasts in 2021. Patidongan also named actress Gretchen Barretto and several members of the Philippine National Police as being allegedly involved.
As the interview gained traction, viewers noticed Emil’s absence from GMA Network’s regular programming, leading to growing concern over his safety.
“Nais ko pong magpasalamat dahil ‘yung pag-aalala ninyo ay talaga naman hong nakakataba ng puso,” Emil added. “Nasa ligtas po ako na kalagayan, sa awa at sa kalooban ng mahal na Diyos Ama. Gagawin ko po ang nararapat para ho sa ating mga kababayan, alinsunod po sa utos… ng ating mahal na Diyos Ama.”
In a follow-up video, Emil invited the public to watch the upcoming ‘Resibo’ special report on GMA Network airing Sunday at 2:45 PM. He described it as a “malalimang pag-iimbestiga” into the missing sabungeros case.
The controversy escalated after Atong Ang denied all allegations and accused GMA Integrated News of unbalanced reporting. Meanwhile, on July 11, the Philippine Coast Guard recovered sacks containing what appeared to be human bones from Taal Lake in Laurel, Batangas—based on a location identified by Patidongan.
Ending his message, Emil offered a heartfelt sign-off: “Mag-ingat palagi.”
