Killing of Juan Jumalon

Juan "Johnny Walker" Jumalon was the second journalist to be killed in Mindanao while on-air since 1985, His program is known for spreading good vibes and also cracked jokes on air, rather than focusing on news and commentary. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, the Philippines ranked eighth for the world's most dangerous places for journalists as of 2023. == Killing ==

On November 5, 2023, at his home in Brgy. Don Bernardo A. Neri in Calamba, Misamis Occidental, Juan Jumalon, also known on air as "Johnny Walker", broadcast his radio station 94.7 Gold Mega Calamba FM via Facebook livestream. At around 5:22 a.m. (UTC+8), two men wearing their caps showed up outside the gate of the house on a pretense to have a public announcement regarding the gunman's lost belongings. He was 57. The gunman stole the necklace before quickly fleeing with a third accomplice in a motorcycle, who acted as a lookout. The killing was caught on both Facebook livestream and CCTV camera; the former showing blood oozing from Jumalon's mouth after he was shot while the lively instrumental music plays. The original live broadcast of Jumalon's broadcast had been deleted but not before the netizens were able to record it. Jumalon was rushed to the hospital by the family members but was pronounced dead on arrival. Mrs. Jumalon said that before her husband was killed, he won a case in court related to a dispute over the land where their radio station is located. == Investigation ==

The police are yet to identify at least three suspects in the killing, including the two gunmen and a getaway driver. They are investigating whether it was work or personal-related. Misamis Occidental police director Colonel Dwight Monato said that Jumalon had a heated argument regarding the land dispute with two people two days before his death. They also added that the gunman used a .45 pistol in the crime. On November 8, the police said that they determined the name of one of the suspects but did not disclose as the investigation is ongoing. The three suspects were charged with murder and theft. == Reactions ==

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. condemned the killing of Jumalon and ordered the national police to track the perpetrator. The Human Rights Watch urged Marcos to put in place measures to prevent further deaths of journalists. == See also ==