Bong Go condemns death of journalist Juan Jumalon; calls for swift justice

In an interview on Saturday, 11 November, following his visit to government military troops stationed in the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go renewed his condemnation of the murder of Juan Jumalon, a broadcaster and radio station owner from Calamba, Misamis Occidental.

Go, who has been a vocal advocate for media security, reiterated his call for justice and heightened protection of journalists. He extended his deepest condolences, reiterating, "Kinokondena po natin at nakikiramay po tayo sa pagkamatay ng yumaong broadcaster na si Juan Jumalon ng Calamba, Misamis Occidental."

He underscored the importance of journalists like Jumalon, who was both the owner and a journalist at his radio station, highlighting their role in delivering news and relevant information to the Filipino people.

Further amplifying his previous appeals, Go urged authorities to step up efforts to protect media workers, stating, "Protektahan po natin ang ating media people, mga tri-media, writer, vlogger, reporter, o mga radio announcer katulad ni Juan Jumalon."

His call for protection extends to all forms of media, recognizing their collective effort in disseminating timely, accurate, and relevant information.

Jumalon was fatally shot while airing live from his home in Calamba, Misamis Occidental on November 5. Jumalon, who also owned the radio station Gold FM 94.7, was broadcasting live at 5:35 a.m. when an unidentified gunman entered his residence and shot him in the head. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Calamba District Hospital.

Local police have launched an investigation and identified three suspects potentially linked to a gun-for-hire group. They are also considering a personal motive behind the killing.

Go, highlighting his ongoing commitment to media welfare, mentioned his filing of Senate Bill No. 1183, the proposed Media and Entertainment Workers' Welfare Act, aimed at enhancing protection and benefits for media workers.

Meanwhile, Go also urged media practitioners to uphold the truth and avoid spreading misinformation.

"Ako naman po ay nakikiusap sa media na siguraduhin na 'yung tama lamang po, 'wag po magpakalat ng fake news, 'wag pong manira kung hindi naman po totoo," he stated, emphasizing the responsibility of the media in reporting truthful and verified information.

Reflecting on previous efforts to uphold media's protection, Go recalled the Task Force on Media Security established during former President Rodrigo Duterte's term, affirming his continuous support for media safety.

"Full support po ako sa ating media people even during the time of former President Duterte mayroon pong Task Force on Media Security, suportado natin ito sa Office of the President para proteksyunan ang buhay po ng media people," reaffirmed Go.

To end, Go called upon law enforcement agencies to swiftly deliver justice for the slain journalist.

"I am calling on the police, the law enforcer na ibigay agad ang hustisya na nararapat sa pagkamatay po ng yumaong si Juan Jumalon ng Calamba, Misamis Occidental," he urged, emphasizing the urgent need for action in this tragic case.