US Embassy in PH slams murder of broadcaster in Misamis Occidental

Juan “DJ Johnny Walker” Jumalon —FACEBOOK PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The United States (US) embassy in the Philippines slammed the killing of radio broadcaster Juan Jumalon.

In a Twitter post on Tuesday, the embassy welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos’ response to the latest media killing.

“The US Embassy condemns in the strongest terms the brazen murder of Juan ‘DJ Johnny Walker’ Jumalon. We welcome the swift steps taken by President Marcos, Sęcretary Abalos, and Philippine law enforcement authorities to solve this crime and bring the perpetrators to justice,” said the Embassy.

“Journalism is fundamental to a free society, and attacks on journalists put that freedom at risk,” it added.

This was echoed by US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, who extended her sympathies to Jumalon’s families.

READ: Foreign embassies: Jumalon killing attack on press freedom

“I join the widespread condemnation of the brazen murder of Juan Jumalon and extend my deepest sympathies to his family and friends during this time of great grief,” she said.

Jumalon was killed last Sunday while on air. This is the fifth recorded media killing under Marcos’ term.