Authorities in Misamis Occidental have revealed a computer-generated image of the suspected killer in the case of the radio commentator Juan Jumalon.
The assailant shot and killed Jumalon in an announcer’s booth on Sunday located in Calamba town.
This incident has sent shockwaves through the community and prompted a rigorous investigation into the circumstances surrounding the murder.
Jumalon was not just a radio commentator but also the owner of the 94.7 FM Gold Radio Station, situated within his residential yard in Barangay Don Bernardo A. Neri, Calamba.
On that fateful day, Jumalon was engaged in a live broadcast, discussing the recent Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections when a sinister figure entered the station’s broadcast room.
The unknown assailant, armed with a pistol, fired two fatal shots at Jumalon’s face, ruthlessly snatched his gold necklace, and hastily fled from the scene.
The incident raised questions about the motives behind this heinous crime, leaving the community in search of answers.
Brig. Gen. Ricardo Layug, Jr., the director of the Police Regional Office-10, explained, “We are looking into four possible angles on the murder of Juan Jumalon, who died on the spot from two bullet wounds in the face.”
However, he refrained from disclosing further details about the ongoing investigation.
President Bongbong Marcos, in a show of condemnation and commitment to justice, asserted, “I condemn in the strongest terms the murder of broadcaster Juan Jumalon. I have instructed the PNP to conduct a thorough investigation to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice.”
He underlined the gravity of the situation, stating, “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.”
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has taken a crucial step in the investigation by releasing a computerized facial composite sketch of one of the suspects involved in the shooting.
The PNP has determined that this suspect served as a lookout for the main gunman. PNP Chief Police General Benjamin Acorda emphasized that the investigation is a work in progress, cautioning against premature speculations.
While the investigation unfolds, authorities are diligently validating any information suggesting that Jumalon may have mentioned names of barangay captains before the tragic incident.
The Special Investigation Task Group assigned to this case is also in close coordination with Jumalon’s family, providing support and necessary assistance.
Undersecretary Paul Gutierrez, from the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, revealed that the investigation is exploring various angles.
He hinted that one perspective being considered is that Jumalon’s murder may not be directly linked to his journalistic work.
“The initial assessment of investigators is that this case may have a narrower work-related connection because Jumalon was not known for being an aggressive critic on his program,” Gutierrez said.
Other potential factors under scrutiny include a land dispute in the area, which had reached the courts, and potential ties to the recent barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
The Philippines’ standing in the Global Impunity Index has improved during the Marcos administration, a fact pointed out by Gutierrez. The government’s emphasis on justice and safety for journalists underscores its commitment to protecting press freedom.
Meanwhile, Cherebel Jumalon, the wife of the slain broadcaster, has called for justice and expressed her gratitude for the support received from President Marcos.
Her plea serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of a free and safe press, as various leaders and organizations have come forward to condemn the murder, vowing to uphold the sanctity of free expression in the Philippines.
The Daily Netizen 