2 of 3 suspects in Jumalon slay arrested - PTFoMS

Two of the three suspects in the killing of broadcaster Juan “DJ Johnny Walker” Jumalon were arrested by policemen on Friday in Misamis Occidental, according to the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) on Saturday.

The suspects were identified by PTFoMS executive director Undersecretary Paul Gutierrez as cousins Boboy Sagaray Bongcawel, alias Boboy, of Purok 2, Barangay Manla in Sapang Dalaga town, and Renante Saja Bongcawel, alias Inteng, a fisherman and a resident of Purok 1, Barangay Manla.

Police Colonel Dwight Monato, Misamis Occidental police chief, provided a report that included the identities of the suspects, who were ordered arrested for murder and theft by Calamba Executive Judge Michael Lotao Ajoc of Regional Trial Court Branch 36.

"No bail was recommended for their temporary liberty," the PTFoMS said.

On November 5 last year, Jumalon was killed by an unidentified gunman while he was doing a live broadcast for his radio program on 94.7 Calamba Gold FM at his residence in Calamba, Misamis Occidental.

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

Jumalon was rushed to the Calamba District Hospital by his family but was pronounced dead on arrival by the duty physician.

''Boboy was the person identified as poking a gun at Jumalon's radio station helper when he opened the gate, while Inteng was identified as the driver of their getaway motorcycle,'' the PTFoMS said.

Gutierrez also expressed confidence that authorities would be able to apprehend the alleged gunman and remaining suspect, Julito Mangumpit, alias Ricky.

"Already, the Misamis Occidental Provincial Police Office is following up on several leads on Mangumpit's whereabouts," he said.

The government has offered a total reward of P3.7 million to those who can help in the apprehension of the suspects. — VBL, GMA Integrated News