Senators condemn brutal killing of veteran radioman; calls for crackdown vs loose firearms
By Dhel Nazario
Senators on Monday, November 6, condemned the killing of 57-year-old veteran broadcaster Juan Jumalon who was shot dead while live on air in his home-based radio station in Misamis Occidental on Sunday morning.
Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri called for the creation of a task force of all the best government agents from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to the Philippine National Police (PNP) even members of the military that will put an end to journalist killings and to be able to help solve these crimes that have already transpired.
"Karumaldumal po ang ginawa nila (What they did was brutal). You know I saw the video and I can't even get that scene out of my head of what happened. My goodness, these people should be apprehended. These people should be put to justice at the soonest possible time," he said in an interview on CNN Philippines.
He added that President Marcos through the regional directors of the PNP should really put a large presence of the police force in Misamis Occidental wherein a task force would be created to watch over politically-motivated crimes there.
Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. said in a statement that any form of violence towards journalists is an attack against democracy.
"This, in no uncertain terms, is an affront to our free press," he stated.
"I challenge all our law enforcement agencies to make accountable to those behind this brazen attack against Mr. Jumalon-- Radio Broadcaster of Calamba, Misamis Occidental," he added.
Sen. Grace Poe said Jumalon's killing was utterly barbaric and had no place in a civilized society.
"We support a thorough and swift investigation to bring the perpetrators before the law," she said.
Poe said it's equally important for the PNP and other concerned authorities to tighten the noose on holders of illegal guns not only in Metro Manila but in the provinces as well.
She also said it is imperative to know how the police and the military are working to curb the proliferation and use of unlicensed guns.
"Possession of loose firearms adds to the brazenness of killers, who in the past incidents have carried out the crime in homes or workplaces — spaces we thought are our safe havens," she said.
"Denying the killers the means to carry out their vile act will help end the impunity for crimes against journalists," she stressed.