On Sunday, November 5, 2023, a radio host was shot and killed inside his studio in the Philippines in a senseless act that was captured on camera by viewers who were watching the program live on Facebook. This is the most recent in a lengthy list of journalists that have died in the nation.
On the southern island of Mindanao, Juan Jumalon, 57, was shot in the head while he was in his home studio, according to Captain Deore Ragonio, the police chief for the Calamba municipality.
The National Union of Journalists denounced “the brazen killing,” stating that Jumalon is the fourth journalist to be killed since President Ferdinand Marcos assumed power in June 2022.
The archipelago nation is among the world’s most hazardous locations for journalists, with their murderers frequently going unpunished.
Outside of the capital, radio broadcasters are often the target.
The union declared, “The attack is even more condemnable because it happened at Jumalon’s own home, which doubled as the radio station.”
Jumalon’s “murder” was denounced by Marcos, who also directed the police to “swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice.”
In a social media post, Marcos declared, “Journalist attacks 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 attacker stole Mr. Jumalon’s gold jewelry, according to Lemonde news, and rode off on a motorcycle with a companion who had been waiting outside.
Paul Gutierrez, the leader of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, claimed that the attack was captured on camera. In one attack video, the 57-year-old Jumalon can be seen glancing upward and away from the camera before two rounds are fired.
As background music continued, he fell backward in his chair, covered in blood. He was declared dead on the way to the hospital.
After stealing the victim’s gold jewelry, the assailant rode off on a motorcycle with a partner who had been waiting outside Jumalon’s residence, according to Gutierrez. “We classify this occurrence as “work-related,” even if the motivation is yet unknown.
According to police commander; Ragonio, authorities are looking into the killing’s motive.
They had no prior knowledge of any threats made against Jumalon’s life. According to Ragonio, AFP, “He addresses current affairs primarily and has not been known to criticize anyone in his broadcasts.”
At the 94.7 Gold FM Calamba station, Jumalon presented his Cebuano-language show under the moniker “DJ Johnny Walker.” Additionally, his programs were posted on the station’s 2,400-follower Facebook page.
