DAVAO CITY – The Mindanao Independent Press Council Inc. (MIPC) expressed deep sorrow at the burial of Juan Jumalon, the Community Radio Broadcaster from Calamba, Misamis Occidental, on Sunday, November 12, 2023. MIPC extended heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the media community.
“As we bid farewell to Mr. Jumalon, we recognize the gravity of the occasion and extend our sympathies to all who gathered to pay their respects,” stated MIPC.
In the wake of this tragedy, a significant reward has been pledged for information leading to the suspects in Mr. Jumalon’s killing. Governor Henry Oaminal Sr. announced a reward of P500,000 for information on the suspects’ whereabouts on November 10, 2023. Additionally, a substantial reward of P3 million is offered to any law enforcement official successfully arresting those responsible.
“The commitment to justice is further emphasized by the contributions of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, which has put up P100,000, and an additional P100,000 pledged to the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS),” MIPC noted.
“We commend the swift response of local authorities in taking proactive measures to bring the perpetrators to justice,” said MIPC.
MIPC called upon the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by providing relevant information leading to the swift arrest of the suspects. The reward money serves as a testament to the seriousness with which authorities are treating this case.
“We fervently hope for a swift and unwavering pursuit of justice for Mr. Jumalon,” MIPC emphasized. “It is our collective aspiration that this case becomes a turning point, that the sacrifice of Mr. Jumalon becomes a catalyst for change.”
“This moment calls for a united front from the media industry and other stakeholders. We demand sustained attention and action to ensure that Mr. Jumalon’s death is not in vain and that it serves as a rallying cry for a safer and more secure environment for journalists in the Philippines,” urged MIPC.
“This tragic incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by journalists in the Philippines,” MIPC lamented. “We stand united in our commitment to upholding press freedom and protecting those who play a crucial role in the fabric of our society.”
