Jumalon, popularly known as DJ Johnny Walker, was shot while performing a live broadcast, police said.
According to local media and police reports, the suspect sought permission to enter Jumalon’s radio booth to announce “something important on air,” while the latter was live-streaming on Facebook at around 05:30 local time.
After the attack, Jumalon’s wife immediately took him to an unnamed hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Police authorities said they were not aware of any previous threats against the late broadcaster’s life, adding that they had secured CCTV footage in the area.
In his reaction, Philippines president, Bongbong Marcos, in a tweet on Sunday, condemned “in the strongest terms the murder of broadcaster Juan Jumalon. I have instructed the PNP to conduct a thorough investigation to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Attacks on journalists will not be tolerated in our democracy, and those who threaten the freedom of the press will face the full consequences of their actions.”
The report added that four journalists have been killed since Marcos Jr took office in June 2022, the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines said.
“The attack is even more condemnable since it happened at Jumalon’s own home, which also served as the radio station,” the union said.
Jumalon’s broadcasts are usually aired on 94.7 Gold Mega Calamba FM’s Facebook page, which has around 2,400 followers.
According to the United States-based political advocacy organisation, Freedom House, the Philippines is one of the most dangerous places in the world for journalists.
