In a horrifying incident, a well-known radio host in the Philippines was fatally shot while broadcasting his show live on Facebook from his residence. The victim, 57-year-old Juan Jumalon, also known as “DJ Johnny Walker,” was shot twice by an intruder who posed as a listener to gain entry into his home around 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, according to local authorities. The assailant also snatched Jumalon’s gold necklace before fleeing the scene with an accomplice on a motorcycle.
The Misamis Occidental police department reported that the attacker entered the radio station without any hesitation and shot Jumalon in the face, leading to his immediate death. The chilling moment was captured on video, showing Jumalon pausing and looking off-camera before two gunshots are heard. He then falls back in his chair, bloodied, as the background music continues to play.
Jumalon’s wife rushed him to a nearby hospital, but he was declared dead upon arrival, as reported by the BBC. The shooter was not visible in the live stream, but authorities are investigating whether the incident was captured on security cameras.
Jumalon’s broadcasts, which aired on the Facebook page 94.7 Gold Mega Calamba FM, a Visayan-language station, had about 2,900 followers. His shows covered a wide array of topics, ranging from relationships to local community issues.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines condemned the brutal killing. The press freedom watchdog noted that Jumalon was the 199th journalist to be killed in the Philippines since 1986, the year democracy was restored following the “People Power” uprising that overthrew dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
The incident, which occurred at Jumalon’s residence that also served as his radio station, was strongly condemned by President Ferdinand Marcos. He ordered the Philippine National Police to conduct a thorough investigation into the murder and apprehend the shooter. Marcos emphasized that attacks on journalists would not be tolerated and those threatening press freedom would face severe consequences.
Police Captain Diore Libre Ragonio revealed that at least three suspects have been identified and authorities are investigating potential motives, including whether the attack was related to Jumalon’s work or personal issues. The Philippines, notorious for being one of the most dangerous countries for journalists, ranks 132 out of 180 countries on the Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index.