Reporter Emil Sumangil asks for prayers amid 'risks' brought by his work
Broadcast journalist Emil Sumangil asked the public to pray for him amid "risks" posed by his work.
In an Instagram post, the 24 Oras reporter shared a picture of himself holding a rosary.
"Iligtas mo ako sa banta’t peligrong dala ng aking trabaho, higit sa lahat sa tukso’t kasalanang lumalason sa aking puso’t isipan, Mahal na Panginoon," he said.
"Blessed weekend, friends. Wet weekend tayo," he added.
While it wasn't clear what threats and dangers Sumangil was referring to in his prayer, it can be recalled that earlier this month, the veteran journalist was the first to interview accused-turned-whistleblower Julie "Dondon" Patidongan about the case of missing sabungeros.
In their discussion, Patidongan tagged businessman Atong Ang and actress Gretchen Barretto as among the persons allegedly behind the abductions. He also claimed that the bodies of the missing sabungeros were thrown into Taal Lake.
Ang and Barretto have since denied the allegations.
After the interview was published, Sumangil's wife, Michelle, later shared a post initiating calls to protect her husband from harm as she expressed her gratitude to the public for their support.
"We would like to thank the netizens who first initiated and called for the safety and protection of my husband, Emil Sumangil. Your concern, prayers, and vigilance brought light and strength to us during this time," she said.
"Dear Lord, thank You for Your constant protection and grace. We lift up Emil into Your loving hands. Surround him with Your divine shield and keep him safe from harm. May Your peace reign in our hearts as we trust in Your perfect will. Amen," she added.
Days later, many aired their worries towards Sumangil after noticing that he was briefly absent from reporting news. However, he assured viewers he was alive and safe in a Facebook video on GMA Public Affairs' page.
"Ako po ay nagbakasyon lamang. Kabaliktaran, sa ilang naglalabasan sa social media. Ako po ay buhay na buhay. Pero ang mensahe na ito ay para sa inyo, nais ko pong magpasalamat dahil yung pag-aalala po ninyo ay nakakataba ng puso," he said.
"Nasa ligtas po akong kalagayan, sa awa at sa kalooban ng mahal na diyos ama. Gagawin ko po ang nararapat para sa ating mga kabababayan alinsunod po ulit ng mahal na Diyos Ama," he added.
Authorities are now looking into the missing sabungeros case following the new lead.
On July 17, Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla said rescuers seemingly recovered human ribs from Taal Lake and told reporters that four sacks were recovered. Two of them have suspected human skeletal remains, while the other two were filled with sand, reinforcing the belief that these were used to weigh the other sacks down to the bottom of the lake.
