The alleged gunman in the November 2023 killing of Misamis Occidental-based radio broadcaster Juan Jumalon was arrested on Monday, April 29, 2024.

Combined forces of the Misamis Occidental Provincial Police Office and Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Police Office arrested a 38-year-old suspect identified as alias “Ricky,” in Santa Isabela, Dipolog City by virtue of a warrant for murder issued by a court in Calamba, Misamis Occidental.

The court did not allow him to post bail.

Authorities consider the suspect as fifth most wanted person in the region. He was identified as the one who allegedly shot Jumalon dead while the latter was doing a live broadcast for his radio program at his residence in Calamba, Misamis Occidental.

“This operation demonstrates MOCPPO’s relentless efforts of truly effective law enforcement in safeguarding the well-being and security of the community,” Misamis Occidental Provincial Police Office Acting Director, Colonel Dwight Monato, said.

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) said alias “Ricky” has eight other arrest warrants for murder, frustrated murder, direct assault, and violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, according to the Misamis Occidental Provincial Police Office’s report.

“This case is as good as completely solved,” PTFoMS Executive Director, Undersecretary Paul Gutierrez, said.

“All three suspects directly involved in the killing of Jumalon are now in the hands of the law. We are optimistic that given the weight of evidence against them, they would be convicted by the court,” Gutierrez added.

It can be recalled that alias Ricky’s alleged accomplices, alias “Boboy” and alias “Inteng,” were arrested in Misamis Occidental last March 15, 2024. Boboy allegedly served as the backup gunman while Inteng drove the getaway motorcycle.

“We commend both regional offices of the Philippine National Police in Region 10 and Region 11, especially the Misamis Occidental Police Office under P/Col. Monato and the entire SITG Johnny Walker Team for their dedication and for a job very well done,” Gutierrez said.