Law enforcement authorities in Misamis Occidental arrested two suspects in the murder of broadcaster Juan “DJ Johnny Walker” Jumalon, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) announced over the weekend, indicating a breakthrough in the case.
Cousins Boboy Sagaray Bongcaweli and Renante Saja Bongcaweli, both 39-year-olds were apprehended during police operations in Barangay Poblacion, Sapang Dalaga, Misamis Occidental on Friday.
Jumalon was fatally shot on Nov. 5, 2023, while conducting a live broadcast at his residence. Boboy was identified as the individual who pointed a gun at Jumalon’s radio station assistant, while Renante was recognized as the driver of the getaway motorcycle used in the crime.Calamba Executive Judge Michael Lotao Ajoc of Regional Trial Court Branch 36 issued the arrest warrants, highlighting the charges of murder and theft against the apprehended individuals. Both suspects are currently held without bail.
In a statement, PTFoMS executive director Paul Gutierrez said this development underscored the commitment of the task force in addressing violence against members of the press.
The PTFoMS, in coordination with law enforcement agencies, continues to pursue leads to locate the remaining suspect, Julito Mangumpit, the alleged gunman in Jumalon’s murder. The government offered a reward of P3.7 million for information leading to the arrest of the suspects.
Efforts to apprehend Mangumpit include the distribution of 50,000 wanted flyers produced with the assistance of the APO Production Unit, Inc. The resolution of this case remains a top priority for the government, according to PTFoMS.
The PTFoMS in January identified three of the suspects in the killing of the radio anchor.
‘’The diligent and continuing effort by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in pursuing this case demonstrate the serious and unrelenting determination by the Marcos administration to bring the perpetrators to justice while sending out a clear message that any violence against any member of the press would not go unpunished,” Gutierrez said in a press statement posted on the PTFoMS Fac book acocunt.
Citing information from his discussions with the police, Gutierrez said criminal complaints for murder and theft have been filed with the Misamis Occidental Provincial Prosecutor’s Office against the suspects.
The task force said the suspects have been sighted in Misamis Oriental and Zamboanga del Norte since Jumalon was killed.
Investigators earlier said they are looking at four possible motives in the murder, including land dispute, business, local politics, and personal reasons.
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.