‘Suntok sa buwan’: Emil Sumangil on succeeding Mike Enriquez
Emil Sumangil
With Emil Sumangil taking the helm of GMA Public Affairs’ new investigative public service show, not a few observers wondered if the seasoned crime reporter is now being eyed as a potential successor to Mike Enriquez.
But Sumangil demurred at the comparisons, saying that trying to follow the veteran Kapuso journalist’s footsteps is like “shooting for the moon.”
“I can’t match or surpass him. I was just given a platform by the network to show what I’m capable of. And I will work hard to do what I know to help others or do something good for the country,” he said at a recent press conference for “Resibo: Walang Lusot Ang May Atraso.”
“Parang suntok sa buwan ang mapantayan si Mike,” Sumangil said of Enriquez whom he credited for his first radio program.
The Sunday program—which starts on May 7—is the first GMA Public Affairs offering to be aired on radio, television and live-streaming platforms. As the show’s “Action Man,” Sumangil will hear grievances and complaints by Filipinos, around the country and overseas, and try to give them proper resolution by facilitating dialogue and coordinating with relevant institutions.
Two cases
On top of those, he will also present crime stories, expose wrongdoings, take part in investigations or rescue operations, and revive old cases. “Our scope includes civil and criminal cases, as well as wrongdoings on cyberspace, like scams… We will also take on cold cases involving people who have yet to receive justice,” he said.
“Resibo’s” pilot episode will feature two cases: A mother seeking custody of her daughter from her estranged live-in partner whom she accused of physical assault; and an entrapment operation for a wanted fugitive who has been hiding for a decade after allegedly killing a barangay official in Batangas province.
For Sumangil, it’s important to be on the ground to personally face the conflicting parties or take part in such investigations.
“I will personally endorse people’s concerns with government agencies until we come to a resolution,” he told the Inquirer. “I feel like I have to make sure that the aggrieved and those in need feel that they’re not alone in their problems. I will try to help them in my own way and to the best of my abilities,” he said.
Intimidated
And it’s only prudent that all sides of the issue are heard. “We will talk, not only to the complainant, but also to the accused,” he said.
Some people may feel intimidated by the prospect of going straight to government offices for their grievances and complaints. The show, Sumangil said, will provide the necessary guidance. “Some may feel that they will not get the service they’re hoping for when they go straight to government offices.
“So they ask media practitioners for assistance—not to scare people—but to guide them and help them understand all the steps that they need to take for their problems,” he said.
“Resibo” airs on GMA 7 and GTV, with simulcasts 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.
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