Radio broadcaster shot dead after entering studio in Philippines

A radio broadcaster in the Philippines has been shot dead after his studio was broken into. Police said this is the latest addition to the long list of journalists killed in the country. Calamba municipality police chief Capt. Deore Ragonyo said Juan Jumalon, 57, was in his home studio on the southern island of Mindanao when a gunman shot him in the head.

Jumalon is the fourth journalist to be killed since President Ferdinand Marcos took office in June 2022. The National Union of Journalists strongly condemned the killing. The archipelago nation is one of the most dangerous places in the world for journalists, and their killers often roam with impunity.

Radio broadcasters outside the capital are often targeted. President Marcos condemned Jumalon’s killing and ordered authorities to quickly bring the perpetrators to justice. “Attacks on journalists will not be tolerated in our democracy,” Marcos said in a post on social media. Those who threaten the freedom of the press will suffer the consequences.”

Police said the suspect entered Jumalon’s studio under the pretense of making a broadcast announcement. Juan also opened the door to the studio. After entering there, the man aimed at Juan’s head and started shooting.

Juan fell to the ground. The assailant fled from there. Paul Guterres, head of media security for the Presidential Task Force, said the attack was recorded on video. It showed the suspect shooting the broadcaster twice and grabbing his gold necklace before leaving.

Guterres said in a statement that the motive for the murder is still unclear. Police Chief Ragonio said they are investigating the cause of the murder. They were not aware of any previous threats to Jumalon’s life. Zumalon was using the name “DJ Johnny Walker” on his Cebuano-language show on the 94.7 Gold FM Calamba station.

Source: NDTV