On May 3, Kapuso journalist Emil Sumangil confirmed that he declined GMA Network’s offer of assigning a security team for him despite getting death threats.
At the media conference for his upcoming Kapuso program, Resibo: Walang Lusot ang May Atraso, which LionhearTV covered, Sumangil highlighted the number of times GMA Network offered to get him a security detail.
“Ilang beses na po tayong inalok ng kumpanya, na bigyan po ako ng security personnel. With all humility, Sir, Ma’am, tinatanggihan ko po at sa totoo lang hindi po ako dadalhin ng Diyos dito kung ang hahayaan lang po niya ako madisgrasya. ‘Yun ho ‘yung since then, paniniwala ko, na hanggang ngayon buhay pa naman ako sir.”
He then noted one of the death threats he got after getting assigned to the story of the Missing Sabungeros.
“Ang death threat po, sa totoo lang, with all humility, normal na lamang ho. Katulad po ngayon, ako ang nakatutok sa Missing Sabungero story, sa kaso po ng mga nawawalang sabungero. Sa akin na po ‘yun inassign ng GMA Network at ng GMA News, so bago po tayo mag-simula, may binabasa po akong message, na galit na galit ho.
“Galit na galit sa akin, na ang kulang na lang ay kung ang mensahe niya ay nakakamatay ay matagal na po siguro akong wala sa inyong harapan.”
He also acknowledged the dangers he faced throughout his career as a journalist.
“Kung pag-uusapan po ang peligro noong ako’y nasa graveyard shift, so 9pm to 5am, saka pa lang kami lalabas ng team ko, sa base, doon sa aming opisina, nandoon na kaagad ‘yung peligro, so ibig sabihin, every night, mayroong disgrasya na pwede kang abutin, mayroong peligro, nandoon ‘yung pagkadelikado ng trabaho mo.”
Sumangil now helms the GMA Public Affairs multi-platform program, Resibo: Walang Lusot ang May Atraso.
Focusing on public service, he handles cases, grievances, and complaints from Filipinos through a resolution-based approach.
Resibo: Walang Lusot ang May Atraso starts on May 7 on GMA and GTV, with a simulcast on DZBB, Super Radyo in Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Palawan, General Santos, and Kalibo as well as live streaming on GMA Public Affairs YouTube channel and social media accounts.
Viewers who need help may reach the team behind Resibo through their Hotline Number: 0917-7RESIBO, Email: Resibo@gmanetwork.com, Facebook: ResiboWalangLusotAngMayAtraso, or visit GMA Action Center in Diliman Quezon City.
