PTFoMS calls for immediate activation of SITG over killing of Misamis news anchor

THE Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the immediate activation of a special investigation task group (SITG) after a radio news anchor was shot dead early today inside his radio booth by a still unknown gunman in Misamis Occidental.

The initial report from the PNP’s Directorate for Investigation and Detection Management (DIDM), identified the victim as Juan T. Jumalon, aka, ‘Johnny Walker’ 57, radio anchor and station manager of Gold FM 94.7 based in Calamba, Misamis Occidental.

A video clip of the incident that has gone viral showed Jumalon being shot twice by the suspect who also grabbed his gold necklace before fleeing the crime scene. Jamalon was declared dead on arrival (DOA) at the Calamba District Hospital.

“Even as we extend our sympathy to the victim’s family and friends over this dastardly attack, we also call on the Misamis Occidental Police Office to immediately constitute its SITG to investigate this incident and apprehend the suspect and others possibly involved in the interest of justice,” said PTFoMS executive director, Usec. Paul M. Gutierrez.

“The creation of an SITG on incidents like this is among the agreed protocols among the agencies within the PTFoMS,” Gutierrez reminded.

Gutierrez also alerted the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), which is also part of the PTFoMS to also start gathering evidence in support of the ongoing investigation to hasten its resolution.

“We also call on our colleagues in the media and the public not to resort to any speculation or make baseless accusations that can only distract our investigators on the true motive for the attack on Jumalon. Instead, we call on them to provide relevant and factual information that can hasten the resolution of this incident,” Gutierrez said.

USEC PAUL GUTIERREZ