Poe on Juan Jumalon’s slay: ‘Utterly barbaric’

Senator Grace Poe (File photo)

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Grace Poe called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) and authorities to strictly enforce the rules against illegal gun holders across the country.

Her plea comes following the blatant killing of radioman Juan Jumalon, more popularly known as DJ Johnny Walker.

In a statement on Monday, Poe said removing from erring individuals the means to carry out their acts “will help end impunity for crimes against journalists.”

“We want to know how the police and the military are working to curb the proliferation and use of unlicensed guns,” said Poe.

“Possession of loose firearms adds to the brazenness of killers, who, in the past incidents, have carried out the crime in homes or workplaces — spaces we thought are our safe havens,” the senator emphasized.

Poe tagged the murder of Jumalon as “utterly barbaric,” saying it “has no place in a civilized society.”

“We support a thorough and swift investigation to bring the perpetrators before the law,” said the lawmaker.

Juan Jumalon, 57, popularly known as DJ Jonny Walker, was on board his popular Sunday program “Pa-hapyod sa Kabuntagon” when a lone gunman barged into the radio station right inside the victim’s own home and killed him at 5:30 am on Sunday, November 5, 2023. (Photo screengrabbed from Gold FM 94.7)

Jumalon was a 57-year-old radio anchor and station manager of Gold FM 94.7.

An unidentified assailant gunned him down while he was doing a live broadcast on Sunday, November 5.