Filipino Radio Host Fatally Shot During Live Stream at Home
Tragic incident unfolds as a Filipino radio host is brutally shot dead during a Facebook live stream at his residence in southern Philippines The nation mourns the loss while authorities intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators President condemns the heinous act
Juan Jumalon, a radio host popularly known as "DJ Johnny Walker," was fatally shot while live streaming his program on Facebook at his residence in the southern Philippines on Sunday. This audacious murder has initiated a rigorous search for the perpetrators and received strong condemnation from the country's president. The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) described the incident as a brazen act.
The attack is particularly reprehensible as it occurred at Jumalon's residence, which also functioned as the radio station. It was mentioned that Jumalon is the fourth media worker to be killed since the inception of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration in June of last year.
Jumalon's broadcasts were typically featured on the Facebook page of 94.7 Gold Mega Calamba FM, a Visayan-language station that had approximately 2,900 followers. Callers frequently engaged in conversations about various subjects, such as relationships and local concerns.
At approximately 5:35 a.m., a suspect entered the station and fatally shot Jumalon in the face, as stated by the Misamis Occidental Police Department. Jumalon was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The Sunday live stream is no longer available on Facebook, but online video clips of the incident depict Jumalon briefly pausing and diverting his gaze from the camera, followed by two audible gunshots.
During a press briefing, Captain Diore Libre Ragonio, an officer-in-charge at the police station, stated that the authorities have identified three suspects in the incident. These include two individuals who entered the house and a third person who served as the getaway driver. Ragonia further mentioned that the police are currently conducting investigations to determine potential motives behind the attack, including the possibilities of it being linked to Jumalons' broadcast work or personal issues.
A police officer inspects the vicinity of the residence-based radio station in Calamba, Misamis Occidental province, southern Philippines on November 5, 2023, following the tragic shooting of a radio anchor.
President Marcos denounced the assault and stated that he had instructed the Philippine National Police to conduct a comprehensive investigation into Jumalon's death and apprehend the culprits to ensure justice is served.
Marcos stated in a press release on X that our democracy will not tolerate attacks on journalists, and individuals who endanger press freedom will be held accountable for their actions. The Philippines, recognized as one of the most hazardous locations for journalists globally, currently holds the rank of 132 out of 180 countries on the Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
Misamis Occidental Governor Henry S. Oaminal expressed his profound shock upon learning about the tragic killing. In a strongly-worded statement posted on Facebook, he vehemently denounced the incident. Governor Oaminal, who personally knew the victim as a courageous broadcaster, joined in lamenting the loss of a dedicated champion of truth. His heartfelt condolences go out to the grieving family and the entire province.
