Journalism, with all its risks and affordances, is more than a noble profession. Rather it’s a God-awarded vocation that, to 24 Oras anchor and GMA Integrated News senior news producer Emil Sumangil, is real public service. 

“Unang-una, parang binigyan mo ng silbi yung sarili mo dito sa mundong ibabaw, partikular sa lipunan, kaya yung paghahatid ng serbisyo publiko ay napakadalisay,” Sumangil told GMA Regional TV News in an interview ahead of his talk for the GMA Masterclass: The Cebu Press Freedom Week Special at the University of the Philippines Cebu on September 22, 2025.

“Para sa akin, ito yung tunay na public service – yung ikaw ay magbantay sa lahat ng larangan sa pagiging isang mamamahayag,” he said.

Sumangil’s take on press work fittingly exists against a busy socio-political backdrop tampered with wide-scale corruption scandals and many other faces of injustice – none have made Sumangil busier than his pursuit of the lost sabungeros. 

The multi-awarded journalist has actively been on the frontlines of the highly controversial investigation involving 34 cockfighting enthusiasts (sabungeros) who disappeared between 2021 and 2022, and, recently, a number of high-profile personalities linked by whistleblower Julie ‘Dondon’ Patidongan. 

“Ang istorya na para sa akin pinaka-tumatak, marahil itong aking patuloy na adbokasiya at pagsusumikap na mai-dokumento ang kaso ng mga nawawalang sabungero,” he noted when asked what his most memorable coverage is, thus far.

Inevitably, Sumangil’s pursuit of truth – his persistent probe on who the mastermind is behind the disappearances – has involved risks aplenty given the nature of the controversy. 

In fact, last July, his wife Michelle posted on her social media accounts a plea for prayers for Sumangil, particularly after his exclusive interview with “a key figure in the case of the missing sabungeros,” where “many have expressed concern for his safety.” 

But the seasoned crime journalist wears a hard hat, one that is strengthened by his firm belief that his truth probe is a God-given advocacy. 

 “Dahil ako ay naniniwala na ibinigay sa akin ng mahal na Diyos Ama ang responsibilidad na ito, dahil sa kahit ano mang dinaanang hirap para lumabas yung totoo, tinyaga nang tinyaga ko lang hanggang sa maglutangan na ang mga ebidensya at mga testigo na magiging susi para bigyang-linaw kung ano ba ang nangyari sa mga biktima,” he explained. 

Sumangil also anchors his courage on an ardent belief in God, which according to him has made him ever-resilient in the face of his work’s perils.

“Ang nasa puso’t isip ko, ito ang tungkulin na inatang sa akin ng mahal na Diyos Ama. Ako’y sagrado Katoliko. Bakit ka pa mangagamba, ano pa ang dapat ikatakot kung ang naglagay sa iyo dyan at ang nasa likod mo ay ang ating Maykapal? So ang gagawin ko na lamang ay ang nararapat,” he reminded, further suggesting that he will never lose track of his path forward so long as this journalistic mandate is his north star.

As the GMA Masterclass for the 33rd Cebu Press Freedom Week, Sumangil will share his experience and expertise, where the aim is to spark a meaningful conversation with aspiring journalists in Cebu.

The award-winning GMA Masterclass is organized by GMA Regional TV and Synergy.