Misamis Judge acquits suspects in broadcaster Jumalon’s killing

DAVAO CITY – A Regional Trial Court in Calamba, Misamis Occidental, has acquitted the three men accused in the killing of broadcaster Johnny “Walker” Jumalon, citing insufficient evidence to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

In a three-page resolution dated March 31, 2025, Judge Michael Ajoc of RTC Branch 36 declared suspects Jolito Saja Mangumpit, and cousins Reynante Saja Bongcawel and Bobby Bongcawel not guilty in connection with the broad daylight killing of Jumalon, which took place inside his home-based radio station in Brgy. Don Bernardo A. Neri, Calamba, Misamis Occidental, on November 5, 2023.

According to the court, the prosecution failed to establish a solid link between the suspects and the crime. The ruling highlighted the lack of credible witnesses and direct evidence, noting that while the police presented circumstantial information, it was not enough to eliminate reasonable doubt regarding the suspects’ involvement.

Jumalon, 57, was on air delivering his morning commentary over 94.7 Gold FM when an assailant entered the studio and shot him in the face at close range. The brutal attack, which was partially captured on the station’s live Facebook broadcast, shocked the local media community and drew national condemnation.

The verdict prompted strong reactions from press freedom advocates.

Former Presidential Task Force on Media Safety executive director Paul Gutierrez expressed disappointment over the court’s decision, saying, “It is disheartening, especially for the Jumalon family who have long sought justice. However, we remain grateful to the Philippine National Police and other stakeholders who assisted in the investigation.”

Gutierrez called on authorities to continue pursuing justice, saying the acquittal should not close the door on the case. “We hope the government finds other legal avenues to hold the real perpetrators accountable. The fight for justice must go on,” he said.

Jumalon was the 199th journalist killed in the Philippines since 1986, according to watchdog groups. His murder was the first recorded media killing in Misamis Occidental in recent years.

No new leads have been reported as of this writing. Still, media organizations are urging the Department of Justice and law enforcement agencies to reopen the investigation and explore other possible motives or suspects.