Juan Jumalon, also known as DJ Johnny Walker, was shot dead in his home-based studio while performing a live broadcast. The incident occurred during a Facebook live stream at approximately 05:30 local time when an assailant entered the recording booth and shot him.
President Marcos Jr condemned the murder of the radio journalist and has instructed the police to conduct a thorough investigation. This tragic event marks the fourth killing of a journalist in the Philippines since Marcos Jr took office in June 2022, as reported by the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines. They highlighted the brazen nature of the attack taking place in Jumalon’s own home, which also served as his radio station.
The suspect had requested permission to enter Mr. Jumalon’s radio booth under the pretext of making an important on-air announcement. Authorities have secured CCTV footage from the area to aid in their investigation.
Mr. Jumalon’s broadcasts were regularly featured on the 94.7 Gold Mega Calamba FM Facebook page, with approximately 2,400 followers. Despite immediate efforts to rush him to the hospital, doctors pronounced him dead upon arrival.
The Philippines remains one of the most dangerous places in the world for journalists, as stated by US-based Freedom House.
-BBC-
