Police welcome reward for info on suspects in radioman’s slay

Juan “DJ Johnny Walker” Jumalon —FACEBOOK PHOTO

PAGADIAN CITY — More money is being offered as reward for information on the suspects in the killing of Calamba, Misamis Occidental broadcaster Juan Jumalon.

On Friday, the Misamis Occidental provincial government dished out an offer of P3.5 million in reward; P500,000 for those who can lead authorities to the gunman, and P3 million for any law enforcer who can arrest the gunman.

Of the three suspects that the police are pursuing, only one entered into the radio booth of 94.7 Gold FM-Calamba and shot Jumalon, known as DJ Johnny Walker, while he was on-air on November 5 for his program Pahapyod sa Kabuntagon (Gentle Morning Touch).

In a press briefing on Friday in Oroquieta City, the capital of Misamis Occidental province, Col. Dwight Monato, provincial police director, said the gunman, whom they had identified and had sued for murder before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office, is from the province.

But Monato refused to discuss details of the possible motive for the attack on Jumalon as it “may forewarn those involved” and preempt their case buildup.

READ: Foreign embassies: Jumalon killing attack on press freedom

Monato said that they have a witness who can positively identify the gunman. He added that when news of Jumalon’s killing went viral on social media, they received information that helped them to identify the gunman.

But two other suspects who were charged were only indicated as “John Does.”

Monato disclosed that tracker teams have been organized to locate the gunman.

Monato further said they are hoping more people would share information with them with the offer of a reward.

READ: Unesco outraged by murder of radio broadcaster Juan Jumalon

Last Tuesday, the Presidential Task Force on Media Safety (PFToMS) had announced a P100,000-cash reward for informants in Jumalon’s slay.

The Calamba local government also reportedly planned to put up a reward.

Brig. Gen. Ricardo Layug Jr., Northern Mindanao police director, said the offer of reward could hopefully lead to more information available to investigators hence potentially fast-tracking the resolution of the case.

Layug visited the wake of Jumalon on Wednesday to confer with his family about the incident.

Layug said the release of the facial composite sketch of one of the suspects also elicited many tips about his possible identity, giving investigators potential leads to follow.

According to Layug, all possible motives of the killing are still being pursued.