It is another full-house for the GMA Masterclass: The Cebu Press Freedom Week Special at the University of the Philippines Cebu. 

At least 400 students in communication, journalism, multimedia studies, as well as campus journalists from the University of the Philippines Cebu, Saint Benedict Childhood Education Center, Santo Niño Mactan College, Southwestern University PHINMA, University of the Visayas, University of San Jose-Recoletos, Talisay City College, University of San Carlos, Cebu Technological University, and Cebu Normal University participated in the GMA Masterclass: The Cebu Press Freedom Week Special on Monday, September 22, 2025.

GMA Masterclass: The Cebu Press Freedom Week Special featured veteran journalist, 24 Oras news anchor and GMA Integrated News senior news producer Emil Sumangil.

Sumangil is most prominent for his exclusive reporting on whistleblower Julie (Dondon) Patidongan, alias “Totoy,” who accused gaming magnate Charlie (Atong) Ang in the forced disappearance of at least 34 “sabungeros” (cockfighting enthusiasts). 

UP Cebu Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs  Palmy Marinel Pe-Tudtud, in her welcome message, cited that Sumangil is best known for his complex and high-profile stories, on top of which is the case of the missing “sabungeros" that continues to grip the nation and raise critical questions about justice, accountability, and truth.

“Mr. Sumangil will share with us his work process, exclusive works, and the insights he has gained from his years of experience as a veteran broadcast journalist. His talk will not only deepen our understanding of the challenges faced by the media, but will also inspire us to uphold the values of truth, integrity, and public service - the very principles at the heart of responsible journalism,” Tudtud said. 

“May we reflect on the crucial role of the press in shaping an informed, engaged and empowered citizen. Let their stories remind us that  behind every headline are people, choices, and values that define the integrity of journalism,” Tudtud added. 

Oliver Victor Amoroso, Senior Vice President and Head for GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy, in his message, urged participants to take the opportunity to learn from Sumangil, being one of GMA-7’s finest  news producers, on the realities of news production, importance of newsroom coordination, objectivity, accuracy, and fairness in presenting the story, such as in the case of the lost “sabungeros” that has made sure the safety of the news team and the sources is not compromised. 

“Today, for the first time, Emil will tell you his side of the story, and what it took for our team to bring to light perhaps one of the biggest stories of the decade. Today, Emil will tell you what courage news is all about. To our colleagues in the press, we hope for you nothing but courage and stamina as we continue to do our jobs, especially in the most challenging of times,” Amoroso said. 

When asked about how his life has been affected by his high-risk assignment on the lost “sabungeros,” Sumangil told aspiring journalists that he is not afraid, although certain lifestyle patterns have to change due to safety concerns. But Sumangil said he is relentless about the ongoing search for the lost “sabungeros,” and rather raises everything up to God. 

“Laban! Diyos na ang bahala sa akin, di niya ako dadalhin dito kung ako’y mapapahamak, merong purpose kung bakit ako nandito ngayon. At ‘yun ang kanyang kalooban,” Sumangil stressed. 

According to a GMA News Online report, as of August 27, 2025, authorities have recovered a total of 401 pieces of skeletal remains from Taal Lake in Batangas during the search for the missing "sabungeros," based on a statement of a Department of Justice (DOJ) official.

Justice Assistant Secretary Eliseo Cruz, in a briefing held by the House Committee on Human Rights, said that 401 pieces of skeletal remains have been recovered from 17 different locations.

The report added that Philippine National Police (PNP) Forensic Group Director Police Brigadier General Danilo Bacas said that 355 were consistent with human bones while 46 seemed to be of non-human origin. 

Further, companies that attended the GMA Masterclass include Brilliant Metal Craft Hospital Systems, Grab, Cebu Parklane International Hotel, and Jonie’s Sizzlers and Roast. 

The award-winning GMA Masterclass for the 33rd Cebu Press Freedom Week, that aims to spark a meaningful conversation with aspiring journalists in Cebu, is organized by GMA Regional TV and Synergy. 

The 33rd Cebu Press Freedom Week takes place September 20 to 27, 2025 with the Masterclass kicking off a week of fora organized by local media groups.