MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL – A week after the final farewell to broadcaster Juan Jumalon, widely known as Johnny Walker, persistent calls for justice echo not just within the confines of his family but also among the concerned residents of Calamba, Misamis Occidental. They demand accountability for the untimely demise of Jumalon, who was fatally shot during a live broadcast at his radio station on the evening of November 5.
Mayor Luisito Villanueva Jr. emphasizes the urgency of resolving the murder not only for the sake of local tranquility but also for the overall peace in their area and the entire province of Misamis Occidental. The incident has also negatively impacted tourism.
“It needs to be resolved as soon as possible so that people won’t be afraid to act, and it won’t affect investments, future investments, and the visitors that we promote well in our province. I hope our different agencies like the NBI and the Philippine National Police, and I’m sure they’re working very hard also,” said Calamba Mayor Luisito Villanueva Jr.
Mayor Villanueva underscores Jumalon’s significant contribution through his program in providing accurate information and encouraging community engagement in various government programs.
“In the service of barangays, Johnny is really active. He has a regular program here on the station that is very informative. Actually, in terms of what we are doing in the community, Johnny really helps in informing the community. I don’t see any problems with the partnership with Johnny Walker’s radio station,” Villanueva added.
In a recent update from the Special Investigation Task Group Johnny Walker, a construction worker was apprehended by authorities on November 14 in a buy-bust operation in Purok 5, Barangay Diban, Calamba, Misamis Occidental. The suspect was allegedly the driver of the motorcycle used in the shooting.
Apart from illegal drugs, authorities seized three live bullets of .45 caliber, which, upon ballistic examination by the PNP Forensic Unit, matched the bullets used in Jumalon’s murder. The recovered bullets also matched those involved in the attempted murder case of Calamba Municipal Engineer Jopson Baones on October 23.
