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| DJ Johnny Walker Photo credit: Facebook |
A radio anchor in the Philippines, known as DJ Johnny Walker, met a tragic end as he was shot dead while performing a live broadcast in his home-based studio.
This horrifying incident has raised concerns over the safety of journalists in the country.
President Marcos Jr swiftly condemned the murder, stating that he does so "in the strongest terms."
However, it's a somber fact that this marks the fourth killing of a journalist since Mr. Marcos Jr took office in June 2022, as reported by the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines.
What makes this attack even more disturbing is that it occurred within Juan Jumalon's own home, which also served as the radio station where he worked.
Mr. Jumalon was in the midst of a live-stream on Facebook at around 05:30 local time when the assailant entered the recording booth and fatally shot him.
According to local reports citing police sources, the suspect requested permission to enter Mr. Jumalon's radio booth, ostensibly to make an "important on-air announcement."
This deceptive approach has left the community in shock and mourning.
The authorities have stated that they have secured CCTV footage from the vicinity to aid in their investigation.
Mr. Jumalon's broadcasts were typically shared on the 94.7 Gold Mega Calamba FM Facebook page, boasting approximately 2,400 followers.
Following the shooting, Mr. Jumalon's wife rushed him to the hospital, but regrettably, doctors pronounced him dead upon arrival.
What makes this tragedy even more unsettling is that there were no known threats against his life before this incident.
President Marcos Jr has expressed his commitment to a thorough investigation, urging the police to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice.
Despite this commitment, the Philippines remains one of the most perilous places in the world for journalists, according to US-based Freedom House, highlighting the urgent need to address the safety and security of media professionals in the country.
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