A radio broadcast journalist has been shot dead in his studio on the southern island of Mindanao in the Philippines. This is the latest in a long list of slain journalists.
Indian news media NDTV reported this news on Monday (November 6), citing The Guardian.
Reportedly, the slain journalist Juan Jumalon (57) was in his home studio in the southern island of Mindanao when a gunman shot him in the head.
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.
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.
Jumalon is the fourth journalist to be killed since President Ferdinand Marcos took office in June last year. 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.
Bangladesh Journal/SAP
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