Suspect in Jumalon killing a ‘well-known’ gun-for-hire

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security on Sunday said police already have information on one suspect in the death of radio anchor Juan Jumalon.

In a statement, PTFoMS Undersecretary Paul Gutierrez said there are promising developments in the investigation into the killing of radio broadcaster Juan Jumalon, also known as 'DJ Johnny Walker.'

The media protection task force said that one of the suspects was a well-known "gun-for-hire" in the Misamis Occidental area.

PTFoMS, citing Misamis Occidental police director PCol. Dwight Monato, said "at least three witnesses" have identified the said suspect.

"We already have the name and background of one of the three possible suspects. This is a good starting point in any investigation," Monato said.

A computer-generated sketch of one of three attackers is also available, noted the task force.

Gutierrez said the leads and possible motives being pursued by the investigators are showing promising results pointing to a faster resolution of this incident.

More than the expression of sympathy and the granting of financial support, what we are after here is justice for the victim through the apprehension of the identified suspect and his confederates leading to the unmasking of the mastermind, if there is any," Gutierrez added.

"This is the instruction of (President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.) and I am glad to note that our law enforcement bodies are exerting their efforts to give justice to the Jumalons," he added.

Meanwhile, Jumalon was laid to rest in his hometown of Polanco, Zamboanga del Norte, on Sunday after meeting his untimely demise on 5 November while broadcasting live from his residence.

According to local police, there were no reported threats to Jumalon's life leading up to his tragic death.

The family of Jumalon has received financial assistance amounting to P350,000 from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, as reported by PTFoMS.

Additionally, the local government of Misamis Occidental announced on Friday that it has earmarked P3.5 million for the apprehension of Jumalon's assailants.

Governor Henry Oaminal of Misamis Occidental specified that a P500,000 reward is set for anyone providing information leading to the capture of Jumalon's gunman, and an amount of P3,000,000 will be awarded to any law enforcement officer successfully apprehending the perpetrator.

In a statement released on Sunday, PTFoMS declared that an additional P2 million has been pledged for those offering information that leads to the arrest of the suspects.