CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – The Misamis Occidental provincial government and the family of murdered broadcaster Juan “Johnny Walker” Jumalon announced more than P3 million in rewards awaiting informants and law enforcers who can catch those behind the fatal November 5 shooting in Calamba town.

The announcement comes as the remains of the broadcaster were laid to rest on Sunday morning, November 12, exactly a week after Jumalon was shot and killed inside a radio announcer’s booth, in Calamba, Misamis Occidental.

Jumalon’s murder shocked many because he was doing a live radio show, and it was unwittingly broadcast over 94.7 Gold FM-Calamba. The gun attack was also inadvertently livestreamed on Facebook.

Jumalon’s son Stephen Kyle announced through a Facebook post a total reward of P600,000 for any information leading to the identification and arrest of the gunman. About P500,000 would come from the Misamis Oriental provincial government.

Jumalon’s son also announced a reward of P3 million from the provincial government for the arrest of the killers.

He said the identities of those who help provide useful information would be kept confidential. 

Captain Jorie Ragonio, the chief of the Calamba town police, said he was confident that law enforcers would soon catch Jumalon’s killers.

“Kita-kita lang ta sa finals (We’ll see each other in the finals),” Ragonio told reporters.

Jumalon’s remains were taken from his house in Misamis Occidental to a church, and then to a cemetery.

His grieving family and friends called for justice during his funeral.

United front

The Mindanao Independent Press Council (MIPC) released a statement ackowledging Jumalon’s dedication to journalism and community service.

MIPC said the broadcaster’s killing showed the challenges faced by journalists in the country, and emphasized the need for media safety.

The group also acknowledged the joint efforts and contributions which showed a united front against impunity and a shared determination to hold those behind Jumalon’s murder accountable. 

“The reward money serves as a testament to the seriousness with which authorities are treating this case, and we encourage individuals with information to come forward and contribute to the pursuit of justice,” read part of the MIPC statement.

Aside from the rewards offered by Misamis Occidental Governor Henry Oaminal Sr., MIPC said the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) put up P100,000, while the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) offered P100,000 more. – Rappler.com