Veteran broadcast journalist Emil Sumangil revealed that he has been receiving death threats almost every day since exposing the controversial case of the 34 missing sabungeros (cockfighters), a story he has been investigating for four years.
In an emotional interview on ‘Fast Talk with Boy Abunda’ on Wednesday, October 22, the ’24 Oras’ anchor admitted that the threats intensified after his reports gained nationwide attention — but he remains determined to pursue the truth despite the risks.
“Foul talaga, Tito Boy,” Emil said. “‘Yung message eh, kung mahina-hina ‘yung naturalesa mo, hindi ka makakakain ng almusal. May message, may tawag, merong pasabi na gagamitin pa ‘yung kaibigan mo.”
He recounted one chilling message that particularly stood out: “Ang pinakahuli na naalala ko, ‘Saan ko ipapadala ‘yung bulaklak mo?’ Sabi ko, ‘Anong bulaklak?’ Tapos sinagot, ‘Bulaklak ng patay dahil malapit na ang burol mo.’”
Despite the constant harassment, Emil said he refuses to back down.
“Mayroong takot, sa totoo lang. Pero hindi nila ako kayang pigilan dito sa ginagawa ko. Ididiretso ko ito, kung ano ‘yung sinimulan ko. Gusto kong magkaroon ng closure.”
The award-winning journalist admitted that the safety of his family, especially his wife Michelle and their children, is always on his mind.
“Ang kids, okay lang. ‘Yung dalawang bagets ko, walang problema — basta kinukuwentuhan ko lang sila every night kapag naghahapunan. Bibigyan ko lang sila ng update, okay na sa kanila ‘yon,” he said. “Si misis lang ang hindi kampante dahil hindi naman siya media practitioner. Hindi siya sanay sa ganitong klaseng hanapbuhay.”
Sumangil expressed his gratitude to GMA Network for immediately stepping in to ensure his and his family’s safety.
“Ang GMA, ang ating network, ay nagbigay kaagad ng seguridad para sa akin at sa pamilya ko. Inatupag agad nila ‘yung aming kaligtasan. So, ‘yun pa lang, napakalaking bagay na sa akin.”
Emil has been at the forefront of the missing sabungeros case since 2021, following a simple newsroom assignment that led to one of the country’s most gripping unsolved mysteries.
“Apat na taon kong tinrabaho. Nagsimula lang ‘yan sa utos na, ‘Follow up mo ‘yung may nawawala raw na tatlumpu’t apat na sabungero.’ Pero hindi gano’n kadali kasi walang gustong magpainterbyu. Natatakot ‘yung mga pamilya, pati mga awtoridad ay tahimik.”
His persistence paid off when one of the suspects-turned-whistleblower reached out directly to him.
“Tinanong ko, bakit ako? Ang sabi niya, ‘Nararamdaman ko kung gaano ka kaseryoso sa ginagawa mo.’ Doon na nagsimula ang exposé hanggang sa makarating tayo kung nasaan ang kaso ngayon.”
According to Emil, the case is now “submitted for resolution” before the Department of Justice (DOJ) — meaning a decision could be released within 60 days on whether formal charges will be filed against those involved.
When asked by Boy Abunda if he’s prepared to risk his life for the story, Emil’s answer was firm but faithful.
“Hindi ko na iniisip, Tito Boy. Hindi naman ako ilalagay ng Diyos dito kung may barrier o may limitasyon. Basta titirahin ko nang titirahin. Diyos na ang bahala kung saan Niya ako dadalhin.”
Since his explosive report aired on ’24 Oras’, whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan has linked several high-profile individuals — including businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and actress Gretchen Barretto — to the disappearance of the missing sabungeros.
Despite the threats and fear, Emil Sumangil remains steadfast in his mission: to deliver justice and closure for the victims’ families.
“Gusto ko lang na matapos ito. Gusto kong malaman ng mga pamilya kung saan napunta ang mga mahal nila. Hangga’t hindi natatapos, hindi rin ako titigil.”
