A manhunt has been launched after a radio broadcaster was shot dead while live-streaming his program on Facebook at his house in the southern Philippines.
Juan Jumalon, popularly known as "DJ Johnny Walker," a broadcaster, was shot by unidentified gunmen in a "brazen killing," according to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) in a statement on X.
"The attack is even more condemnable because it happened at Jumalon's own home, which also served as the radio station," it stated, adding that Jumalon is the fourth media worker assassinated since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office last June.
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Jumalon's broadcasts were typically heard on the Facebook page 94.7 Gold Mega Calamba FM, a Visayan-language station with approximately 2,900 followers. Callers to the show talked about everything from romances to neighborhood issues.
According to the Misamis Occidental Police Department, the crime occurred about 5:35 a.m., when the perpetrator entered the station and shot Jumalon in the face; he died in the hospital.
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Although the live stream from Sunday is no longer available on Facebook, video excerpts of the incident are circulating online, showing Jumalon pausing and turning away from the camera before two apparent pistol rounds are heard.
According to Captain Diore Libre Ragonio, a police station officer-in-charge, at least three suspects have been identified, including two people who entered the residence and a getaway driver.
Ragonia further stated that authorities are looking into possible motives, such as whether the attack was related to Jumalon's television work or personal concerns.
President Marcos condemned the attack and stated that he had directed the Philippine National Police to conduct an extensive investigation into Jumalon's killing and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Attacks on journalists will not be tolerated in our democracy, and those who threaten the freedom of the press will face the full consequences of their actions,” Marcos said in a statement on X.
Members of the Media Freedom Coalition condemned the attack on the journalist. And called on a swift investigation and bring the perpetrators of the crime to justice.
