GUNNED DOWN. Police in Calamba, Misamis Occidental are conducting pursuit operations against the perpetrators in the killing of community broadcaster Juan Jumalon, 57, inside his house while livestreaming his online radio program on Sunday (Nov. 5, 2023). This screengrab was Jumalon's last livestream moments before he was shot at close range. (PNA photo by Nef Luczon)
MANILA – Senators urged on Monday authorities to find and hold accountable those who are behind the killing of Juan "DJ Johnny Walker" Jumalon, who was shot while live streaming his program on Facebook at his home in Calamba, Misamis Occidental.
"I strongly condemn what had happened there. Karumal-dumal po ang ginawa nila (What they did is gruesome). I saw the video and I can't even get that scene out of my head of what happened. My goodness, these people should be apprehended. These people should be put to justice at the soonest possible time," Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said in an interview with CNN Philippines.
Zubiri said the series of "politically motivated" violence happening in Misamis Occidental should also be looked into by the Philippine National Police (PNP).
"I'm from Region 10 and you know it's so peaceful sa amin sa (in our province in) Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, lalo na ang (especially in) Camiguin, and even Lanao del Norte. But when you're talking about political killings, unfortunately Misamis Occidental still have to figure out how to control these politically motivated killings and I think the President [Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.], through the regional director of the PNP, should really put a large presence of our Philippine National Police force in that province," he said.
In a Viber message to reporters, Senator Ronald dela Rosa also urged the PNP to immediately solve the case.
"I am exhorting the PNP particularly the RD, [Police Regional Office] PRO-10 and [provincial director] PD Misamis Occidental to resolve this case at the soonest possible time because regardless of the real motive of the crime, people would immediately assume it to be work related and the first group of people that we don't want to be discouraged from doing their job is the media," dela Rosa said.
In a separate statement, Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. also condemned the incident, saying any violence that is perpetrated against media practitioners is also committed against democracy.
"This, in no uncertain terms, is an affront to our free press," Revilla said.
‘Unacceptable, troubling’
House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said any attack against members of the media is “unacceptable.”
“The freedom of the press is a cornerstone of our democracy. Every journalist deserves the right to exercise their profession without fearing for their safety or their lives. Any attack or violence against members of the media is unacceptable and deeply troubling,” Romualdez said in a statement.
“We must ensure that those responsible for these heinous acts are brought to justice,” he added.
The Leyte First District congressman also expressed his full support to media practitioners in the country, saying media plays a crucial role in upholding freedom of speech and strengthening democracy.
“To Filipino journalists: Your voices matter. Your stories matter. We stand with you and will continue to advocate for your safety and the right to perform your duties without intimidation or harm,” he said.
“Together, we will strive to put an end to these senseless acts of violence and uphold the sanctity of free expression in the Philippines.”
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has condemned the killing of Jumalon and ordered the PNP to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice.
“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,” Marcos said in a statement.
The Department of Justice said the National Bureau of Investigation are also investigating the shooting.
Assault on democracy
The Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines has also joined calls for a thorough investigation into the killing of Jumalon.
"We call for a thorough investigation into this heinous act and the swift delivery of justice to ensure that such incidents are not swept under the rug," the Embassy said in a statement on Monday.
It disclosed that they are "deeply saddened and alarmed" by the incident which they defined is not just an attack on press freedom but also an assault on the fundamental pillar of democracy.
"Press freedom is a core value in Switzerland, one that we cherish and uphold, understanding its pivotal role in a thriving democratic society. We believe that an independent and vibrant media is a cornerstone of democracy, as it provides the necessary checks and balances, ensures accountability, and empowers citizens with the information they need to make informed choices. In the Philippines, as in Switzerland, the protection of press freedom is crucial for a thriving democracy," it said.
The embassy also urged all stakeholders, the Philippine government and civil society, to work together to create an environment where journalists can carry out their essential work without fear or intimidation.
"Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends of the Mr. Jumalon, and we stand in solidarity with the media community in the Philippines during this difficult time. Together, we must defend press freedom as it is vital for a free and democratic society, in both Switzerland and the Philippines," it said.
Reward offered
The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) on Monday said a reward of PHP100,000 is promised to anyone who can provide information that will lead to the arrest of killers of Jumalon.
The task force announced the reward after the Misamis Occidental Police Provincial Office released a digital sketch, pointing to one of the three suspects “involved in this heinous act.”
“The loss of Jumalon is not only a tragedy for those who knew him but a reminder of the perils that media workers face,” a statement posted on PTFoMS Facebook page read.
During the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon forum, PTFoMS Executive Director, Undersecretary Paul Gutierrez, assured that the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. through the task force and all attached agencies “are working closely together to protect the ranks of our media, media persons.”
He also encouraged media members not to hesitate to contact the PTFoMS if they encounter harassment and death threats. (With reports from Ma. Teresa Montemayor and Benjamin Pulta/PNA)
