Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 6) — Local police on Monday said personal motive is possibly the reason behind the fatal shooting of radio broadcaster Juan Jumalon in Misamis Occidental on Sunday.
“We’re not discounting the possibility that the motive would be related sa kanyang pagiging broadcaster (to his job as a broadcaster), but we are also looking into the angle of personal motive because recently the family of the victim had a heated argument with some individuals which is personal in nature,” acting Misamis Occidental police director Dwight Monato said in a briefing, adding that the issue even reached the court.
Jumalon, also known as DJ Johnny Walker, was shot dead on Sunday while he was airing live in his home in Barangay Don Bernardo A. Neri in Calamba town at 5:35 a.m.
The gunman entered Jumalon’s residence, saying he had an urgent announcement to make regarding a missing wallet and key. Upon entering the studio, he shot the anchorman in the head, took his necklace, and then fled.
Monato said the gunman used a caliber .45 pistol. The suspects used a motorcycle to escape.
Jumalon was pronounced dead on arrival at the Calamba District Hospital.
Investigation is still ongoing, but authorities already released the sketch of a man suspected to be one of three people behind the killing.
The Misamis Occidental Police Provincial Office said the man is believed to be at least 40 years old, of medium build and fair complexion. He was last seen wearing a red cap, a green t-shirt, and a black short pants.
Police said the sketch was that of the gunman’s suspected accomplice. Two of the assailants entered Jumalon’s house while the other waited outside on a motorcycle, police added. Their names remain unknown.
Meanwhile, Acorda said the PNP is ready to provide security to the bereaved family.
Monato said these incidents are isolated and do not reflect the overall peace and order situation in the province.
He also encouraged local media to immediately coordinate with the police if they receive threats.
Philippine National Police chief Benjamin Acorda said the way Jumalon was shot while on air shows that the attackers have “no remorse.”
“I was shocked. The way it was done is very blatant at talagang (and really) you can see those who perpetrate it, there is no remorse. Para talagang, parang manok na lang. Pangit tignan. (It’s like he was only a chicken. It looked awful). Lawlessness talaga ang pinapakita dito (is what’s really shown here),” he said in a briefing Monday.
Prior to the shooting of Jumalon, , several attacks also occurred in Misamis Occidental, including the bombing of Governor Henry Oaminal’s convoy in Clarin town in October.
