Marcos, authorities, rights groups condemn killing of broadcaster Juan Jumalon

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. as well as other authorities and rights groups took to social media to condemn the killing of veteran broadcaster Juan Jumalon, who was murdered while he was on air for his radio program on Sunday, Nov. 5.

The victim, also known as DJ Johnny Walker, was shot dead during his live broadcast for 94.7 Calamba Gold FM in his home in Misamis Occidental. The gunman and their motive for the killing are yet to be determined.

Marcos, through the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), said media killings have no place in this democratic country.

"Mahigpit na kinokondena ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ang pagpatay sa broadcaster na si Juan Jumalon, o mas kilala bilang si 'Johnny Walker' nitong linggo ng umaga. Ang ganitong walang kabihasnang pag-atake sa ating mamamahayag ay walang lugar sa isang demokratikong bansa," the statement read.

The PCO said that the President has asked the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the case. "Inatasan ng ating Pangulo ang Philippine National Police na magsagawa ng masusing imbestigasyon upang mahuli at mapanagot ang sino mang nasa likod ng karumaldumal na krimeng ito."

Misamis Occidental governor Henry Oaminal, in a Facebook post, expressed his grief over Jumalon's death.

"Having known this man as a fearless broadcaster, I share the grief of his family and the people of my province for we lost a truth crusade," he said, noting that that he has ordered authorities to "leave no stone unturned in the investigation of this case."

"I trust that truth will prevail and justice will be served. To the people of Misamis Occidental, let us continue to be vigilant and unite to protect each other as one people," he added.

Ricardo Layug Jr., the acting director of Police Regional Office 10, strongly condemned the murder in a statement, baring their plan to put together a Special Investigation Task Group "to identify the perpetrators of the crime and bring them justice."

"Let us stand against violence and work towards a society where freedom of expression and of the press is respected and protected," Layug continued.

The National Union of Journalists (NUJP) in a statement condemned the "brazen killing" of the radioman, pointing out that it was "even more condemnable since it happened at Jumalon's own home, which also served as the radio station."

Anakbayan, a Filipino organization for national democracy, wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "Ang ganitong mga kaso ay patunay lang ng namamayagpag na impunity sa mga kaso ng pamamaslang sa mga alagad ng midya. Hadlang ito sa malayang pamamahayag na hindi lang karapatan ng mga alagad ng midya, kundi ng lahat ng mamamayan."

The group also urged the youth to join them in their call to stop media killings in the country.

"Nananawagan din kami sa kabataan na tumindig at kumilos para sa pagwawakas sa walang-hustisyang pagpatay sa mamamahayag at mamamayan, na tanging magagawa sa pamamagitan ng sama-samang pagkilos," they said.

Political party Akbayan, in a statement, described the incident as "an evil and horrific act that has no place in our communities."

"Akbayan Party strongly condemns the shameless, vile murder of broadcaster Juan Jumalon. This is an evil and horrific act that has no place in our communities. We extend our deepest condolences to the Jumalon family, and to all of his friends and colleagues in the media," it said.

According to the NUJP, Jumalon's murder "is the 199th since 1986 and the fourth under the present administration."

The incident took place in the same week as the International Day to End Impunity For Crimes Against Journalists.