Palace to review case of slain broadcaster

MANILA, Philippines —  President Marcos’ media security task force has vowed to explore possible legal remedies and to assess the proceedings in the case of slain radio broadcaster Juan Jumalon after a local court acquitted three people linked to the crime.

In a statement, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) said it respects the judiciary’s independence and the legal process that led to the ruling, but added that the decision may raise “significant questions and concerns” from the media community and Jumalon’s loved ones.

“The PTFOMS will review the case proceedings in close coordination with the Department of Justice to assess aspects of the investigation and trial,” it said.

“We will explore all legal remedies available to bring the perpetrators to justice and will not allow this case to end without exhausting every means to establish accountability for this heinous crime,” the statement also read.

Jumalon, also known as DJ Johnny Walker, was shot dead on Nov. 5, 2023 while hosting a morning show over 94.7 Gold Mega FM inside his home-based broadcast studio in Calamba, Misamis Occidental.

In a decision dated March 18, Judge Michael Ajoc of the Regional Trial Court Branch 36 dismissed the murder case against Jolito Mangompit, Reynante Bongcawel and Boboy Bongcawel, saying the prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that they are guilty of the crime.

The judge said the evidence presented by the prosecution was insufficient to prove their guilt.

PTFOMS thanked the law enforcement agencies, legal teams and other stakeholders who worked on the case, and assured Jumalon’s family of unwavering support.

“We understand that this verdict does not conclude the suffering caused by this tragic event and we remain steadfast in our commitment in the pursuit of justice,” the task force said.

“PTFOMS remains unwavering in its mission to ensure that those who commit crimes against media professionals are held accountable. We reaffirm our commitment to creating an environment where journalists can work without fear of reprisal, fostering a safer and freer press in the Philippines,” the task force added.

Suspect in 2005 broadcaster’s slay nabbed

Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) announced yesterday it had arrested a man tagged in the 2005 murder of a Laguna-based journalist, after nearly two decades of hiding.

Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, CIDG director, identified the suspect only as Jalal, listed as a national-level most wanted person with a P150,000 bounty.

Jalal was arrested in Barangay Poblacion in Sapad, Lanao del Norte.

He is accused of killing Robert Ramos of the Katapat community newspaper in Laguna.

Ramos was gunned down in Cabuyao City in November 2005. He died from gunshot wounds in the head.

According to the CIDG, Jalal had been moving from place to place in an attempt to elude arrest. –  Mark Ernest Villeza