Widow sees personal grudge as motive behind radioman Jumalon's killing

The widow of slain radio anchor Juan Jumalon alias DJ Johnny Walker believes personal grudge was the motive for the killing of her husband.

Jerrebel Jumalon was not convinced that the killing was job-related, GMA Regional TV One Mindanao’s James Paolo Yap reported on GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita on Tuesday.

“Kasi it's only entertainment ang kaniyang mga program sa radio. Hindi siya commentator. It's a plain broadcaster lang. Iyong magbasa lang siya ng greetings, mga public service,” Jerrebelsaid.

(Because his radio program is only entertainment. He was not a commentator. Just a plain broadcaster. He was just reading greetings and for public service.)

Jerrebel said the motive of the killing may be linked to a land dispute that has already reached the court, or to their FM station business.

Recalling the attack, Jerrebel said she heard a commotion outside their home in Calamba, Misamis Occidental and then two gunshots.

“After that, iyong gunman lumabas din sa gate kaya hinabol ko. Nakita ko ang gunman, dalawa. Sumakay sa motor na mayroong driver naman na nag-wait sa kanila. Sumigaw ako na, 'Pulis, pulis, tabang, help!',” she said.

(After that, the gunman went out of the gate so I chased him. I saw two gunmen. They got on a motorcycle with a driver waiting for them. I screamed, “Police, police, help, help!”)

“Iyon tumingin sila sa akin. Mukhang nakabahan sila. Iyong driver natumba silang tatlo. (They looked at me. It seemed they got nervous. They fell),” she added.

HRW

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Watch (HRW) called on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to ensure justice for Jumalon’s killing and other attacks against journalists.

“President Marcos, who quickly and commendably denounced the killing of Jumalon, should ensure that his murder, as well as the continuing attacks against journalists, are investigated thoroughly and impartially, and the perpetrators brought to justice,” said Carlos Conde, HRW senior researcher in Asia, said in a statement.

“As Marcos looks to garner support both at home and abroad, he should take this opportunity to demonstrate that his government is serious about press freedom, civil liberties, and human rights in the Philippines,” he added.

Jumalon was killed on Sunday by an unidentified gunman while he was doing a live broadcast for his radio program on 94.7 Calamba Gold FM at his residence in Calamba, Misamis Occidental.

The suspect went to Jumalon’s residence pretending to have an important announcement aired on the radio station but suddenly drew his firearm and shot the radio anchor, hitting his lower lip towards the back portion of his head.

Jumalon was rushed to the Calamba District Hospital by his family but was pronounced dead on arrival by the duty physician.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday released a computerized sketch of one of the suspects in the killing. According to the PNP, the suspect in the sketch was the one who stayed at the gate.

Based on the description released by the police, the suspect stands around 5 feet and 5 to 6 inches and weighs around 70 kilograms with a medium build and fair complexion.

The suspect, who is around 40 years old, was wearing a red cap, green shirt, and black shorts during the time of the killing, the PNP said.

A P100,000 reward is being offered to any information that will lead to the arrest of the suspects. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News