Probers close in on Misamis radioman’s killer

MANILA, Philippines — Probers are close to identifying the killer of Misamis Occidental radio broadcaster Juan “Johnny Walker” Jumalon, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced yesterday.

At a press briefing, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the police received information that may lead to the identification of the gunman. She did not give details.

Fajardo said the Misamis Occidental police is confident that criminal complaints could be filed against the suspects.

Jumalon was hosting his radio program at his home in Calamba, Misamis Occidental on Monday when a man who pretended to want an on-air announcement shot him.

Probers are looking at a land dispute and the recent barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections as among the motives for the killing.

Jumalon is the fourth journalist killed since President Marcos assumed office.

The other three are Cresenciano Bundoquin, who was killed in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro in May; Renato Blanco in Mabinay, Negros Oriental on Sept. 18, 2022; and Percy Mabasa in Las Piñas City on Oct. 3, 2022.

Task force bucks suspect’s transfer

Meanwhile, Malacañang’s media security task force expressed concern over the decision of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-Mimaropa office to transfer custody of a suspect in the killing of Bundoquin.

Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) Executive Director Paul Gutierrez said the trial of Isabelo Bautista, the alleged killer of Bundoquin, is ongoing at the Calapan Regional Trial Court Branch 39.

“The task force and Department of Justice worked hard for the NBI to take custody of Bautista on the issue of his personal safety and availability,” Gutierrez said in a text message.  

He said NBI-Mimaropa director Gelacio Bongngat wanted Bautista transferred to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

Bundoquin, who hosted ”Balita at Talakayan” over dwXR 101.7 FM, was gunned down by motorcycle-riding men in Barangay Sta. Isabel. Prior to the incident, he reportedly received death threats related to his work. 

The PTFOMS said two witnesses identified Bautista as the gunman while his alleged cohort, Narciso Ignacio Guntan, died after their motorcycle rammed a road barrier when they tried to escape.

Bautista, who surrendered to the NBI in June, claimed he did not shoot Bundoquin.

He vowed to cooperate with the NBI in finding out the truth about the crime, according to the PTFOMS.