Accident – death – Obituary News :

Radio Broadcaster Fatally Shot During Live Broadcast in Misamis Occidental

MANILA — In a shocking incident, a radio broadcaster was shot dead on Sunday morning while on air in Calamba town, Misamis Occidental, the police have reported.

The victim, identified as Juan Jumalon, was broadcasting on the popular radio station 94.7 Calamba Gold FM from his residence in Barangay Don Bernardo A. Neri when an unidentified gunman entered the premises and shot him in the head, according to an initial report by the Calamba Municipal Police Station.

Authorities have revealed that the suspect managed to gain access to Jumalon’s home by entering through the gate. After the shooting, the assailant quickly fled the scene, leaving the police with no immediate leads on their whereabouts.

Jumalon’s wife, who was present during the attack, rushed him to a nearby hospital. However, the journalist was pronounced dead upon arrival, adding to the growing number of media-related killings in the country.

Ongoing Investigation

Police Capt. Diore Ragonio of the Calamba Municipal Police Station, in an interview with ABS-CBN News, disclosed that they have received crucial information from the victim’s child, which could potentially lead them to a suspect.

Ragonio emphasized that while Jumalon was a well-known broadcaster, the attack may not be directly linked to his profession. He commented, “Based on our investigation and the testimony of his child, there might be deeper motives behind the shooting.”

He further added, “The significant reasons that led to the shooting are yet to be fully established. We are still gathering evidence.”

In response to the incident, the police have initiated a dragnet operation and set up checkpoints in the area to increase the chances of apprehending the suspect. The investigation is currently ongoing.

If it is determined that Jumalon’s murder was work-related, it would mark the 199th media-related killing in the Philippines since 1986, a troubling statistic that highlights the dangers faced by journalists in the country.

The Philippines: A Dangerous Place for Journalists

According to the recently released Global Impunity Index by the Committee to Protect Journalists, the Philippines continues to be a perilous environment for reporters, particularly those working in the radio industry.

The report revealed that the Philippines ranked eighth among the “countries with the worst records on prosecuting killers of journalists.” This ranking has risen from 8th place in 2022, with the inclusion of Haiti in this year’s index.

These findings shed light on the urgent need for authorities to address the issue of impunity and ensure the safety of journalists in the Philippines. The media plays a crucial role in upholding democracy and holding those in power accountable, making it essential to protect the freedom of the press.

.