A radio anchor was shot and killed during a Facebook livestream in the Philippines on Sunday, local police say.
The alleged gunman entered Juan Jumalon’s home-based studio Sunday morning by pretending to be one of his listeners, according to the New York Post. He then shot the broadcaster twice during his show, stole the man’s gold necklace and fled the scene with a companion, the outlet reported, citing local police. Jumalon was pronounced dead upon arriving at the hospita, according to the BBC. Graphic footage of the incident was shared online.
An investigation is currently underway to determine the identity and motivation of the alleged attacker and his companion, Misamis Occidental police said. Jumalon’s show was broadcast across the Misamis Occidental province, and the Philippines is known as a very dangerous place for journalists, the NY Post reported, citing the Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index.
CNN Philippines released a composite image of one of the suspected murderers wearing a Boston Red Sox cap.
LOOK: The Misamis Occidental police releases a computerized facial composite of one of the suspected assailants in the killing of radio broadcaster Juan Jumalon, also known as DJ Johnny Walker on Sunday.
📷 Misamis Occidental Police Provincial Office/ Facebook pic.twitter.com/FgwtBY39uJ
— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) November 6, 2023
“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,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said of the murder. (RELATED: BBC Journalist Beaten, Detained By CCP Police During Growing Lockdown Protests In China)
Many other tributes poured out to the anchor across social media, including a statement from #FactsFirstPH coalition shared by Rappler, one of the Philippines’ largest digital media organizations. Jumalon is the 199th journalist to be killed since 1986 in the nation, according to the coalition. “The assault was a blatant attack on the freedom of the press,” they added.
Youth groups also organized a rally against the murder of journalists throughout the country.