Emil Sumangil’s wife asks for prayers amid probe into missing ‘sabungeros’
Emil Sumangil with his wife Michelle. Image: Instagram/@masterchelleasia
Michelle Sumangil, wife of broadcast journalist Emil Sumangil, has asked the public for prayers amid concerns for her husband’s safety due to his coverage of the case of the 34 missing “sabungeros” (cockfighting enthusiasts).
Michelle took to Instagram on Friday, July 4, 2025, to request prayers for her husband’s protection following his in-depth reports on the controversial disappearance of the cockfighters.
“With all humility, I ask for your prayers for my husband, Emil Sumangil. After his recent interview with a key figure in the case of the missing sabungeros, many have expressed concern for his safety,” she wrote.
“Please join me in praying for his protection, strength, and courage as he continues this mission. May the Lord surround him with divine covering and peace in the days ahead,” the celebrity wife continued.
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Michelle noted that “Emil is simply doing what he was called to do—to seek truth, to serve the people, and to give voice to the unheard.”
The celebrity wife ended her post with a Bible verse, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper…” — Isaiah 54:17, as she added the hashtags “Protect Emil Sumangil” and “Truth Will Prevail.”
Emil is currently at the forefront of the coverage involving the 34 missing sabungeros. He has conducted exclusive interviews with Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, alias “Totoy,” who recently accused businessman Atong Ang of being the alleged mastermind in the disappearance of the cockfighters, a claim Ang has denied.
Patidongan also linked actress-socialite Gretchen Barretto to the case, but the actress has asserted her innocence and claimed that she did not know the missing cockfighters.
Three years since the disappearance of the cockfighters, the whistleblower resurfaced to claim that the bodies were dumped in Taal Lake in Batangas, information he first revealed to Emil in a “24 Oras” report. /ra
