MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL - Authorities have apprehended two suspects linked to the November 2023 assassination of broadcaster Juan Jumalon in Misamis Occidental, as disclosed by the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) this Saturday.
According to Philippines News Agency, based on information from Misamis Occidental police director Col. Dwight Monato, the detainees, Boboy Bongcawel and Renante Bongcawel, were captured on Friday in Barangay Poblacion, Sapang Dalaga. The operation was a joint effort by the Calamba and Sapang Dalaga Municipal police forces, acting under an arrest warrant for murder and theft issued by Executive Judge Michael Lotao Ajoc of the Calamba Regional Trial Court Branch 36.
In the detailed account provided by PTFoMS executive director Undersecretary Paul Gutierrez, Boboy Bongcawel was reportedly the individual who threatened Jumalon's assistant at gunpoint, facilitating their entry into the premises. Concurrently, Renante Bongcawel is alleged to have been the getaway motorcycle's operator. Following their arrest, no bail has been permitted for their release.
Despite the suspects' silence post-arrest, Gutierrez expressed confidence in the imminent capture of the remaining fugitive, identified as gunman Julito Mangumpit (alias Ricky). The police are actively pursuing leads on Mangumpit's location, demonstrating a firm resolve to resolve Jumalon's murder case promptly.
Highlighting the government's commitment to this high-profile case, Gutierrez reiterated the directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to rigorously investigate until justice prevails for Jumalon's family. Jumalon, popularly known on-air as DJ Johnny Walker, met his tragic end while broadcasting live from his home, which also housed the 94.7 Gold FM community radio station, on November 5, 2023.