NUJP condemns shooting of radio anchor while on air

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) on Sunday denounced the killing of a radio anchor who was doing a live broadcast in Calamba, Misamis Occidental when suddenly gunned down by an unknown suspect.

The 57-year-old victim, identified as Juan Jumalon or “Johnny Walker” of 94.7 Calamba Gold FM, was at his home-based radio booth in Barangay Don Bernardo A. Neri when he was shot at close range on Sunday morning.

Police report revealed that the suspect went to Jumalon’s residence intending to have an important announcement aired on the said radio station but suddenly drew his firearm and shot the radio anchor, hitting his lower lip towards the back portion of his head.

The shooting incident was caught on a livestream of the radio anchor's show, which is now circulating on social media.

“The attack is even more condemnable since it happened at Jumalon's own home, which also served as the radio station,” the NUJP said in a statement.

The union said Jumalon's killing is the 199th since 1986 and the fourth under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“The killing also comes in the same week as the International Day to End Impunity For Crimes Against Journalists.,” it added.

Authorities are currently conducting an investigation to determine the identity of the suspect as well as the motive for the crime. —Giselle Ombay/KG, GMA Integrated News