Two suspects in Jumalon killing arrested—PTFoMS

THE Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) on March 16, 2024, announced the arrest of two of the three suspects in the killing last November 5, 2023 of Misamis Occidental broadcaster, Juan “DJ Johnny Walker” Jumalon, during police operations in Barangay Poblacion, Sapang Dalaga, Misamis Occidental.

PTFoMS executive director Usec Paul M. Gutierrez, citing the report submitted by Misamis Occidental police director, P/Col. Dwight Monato, identified the arrested suspects as cousins Boboy Sagaray Bongcawel, alias Boboy, 39, single, of Purok 2, Bgy. Manla, Sapang Dalaga; and, Renante Saja Bongcawel, alias Inteng, 39, married, fisherman and a resident of Purok 1, of the same village.

The suspects were arrested on Friday, March 15 by joint operatives of the Calamba and Sapang Dalaga Municipal Police Stations by virtue of an arrest warrant for murder and theft issued by Calamba Executive Judge Hon. Michael Lotao Ajoc of Regional Trial Court Branch 36, 10th Judicial Region.  No bail was recommended for their temporary liberty.

Boboy was the person identified as poking a gun at Jumalon’s radio station helper when he opened the gate while Inteng was identified as the driver of their getaway motorcycle.

“This only shows that the PTFoMS, together with all partner agencies, particularly the PNP on this case, is seriously performing its mandate under Administrative Order (AO) No. 1 as the government’s mechanism to address all cases of violence against members of the press,” Gutierrez said.

He added that since the incident, the PTFoMS has been regularly coordinating with the Misamis Occidental PPO under Monato on the status of the case, as well as the filing of charges against the suspects that led to the issuance of the arrest warrant.

Monato is also the ground commander of SITG DJ Johnny Walker formed by the PNP and PTFoMS right after Jumalon was killed. It is tasked to hunt down the suspects, find out the motive behind his murder and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The resolution of the incident is a top priority of the government, with Pres. Ferdinand Marcos directing the PNP and the PTFoMS to leave no stone unturned until justice is served to the Jumalon family.

Gutierrez expressed confidence that SITG Johnny Walker would also be able to apprehend, “very soon,” the remaining suspect, Julito Mangumpit, alias Ricky.

Mangumpit is the gunman who shot Jumalon and grabbed his gold necklace before fleeing with Boboy and Inteng.

“Already, the Misamis Occidental PPO is following up on several leads on Mangumpit’s whereabouts,” Gutierrez said.

“Their dedication and unswerving commitment to solve this case is truly commendable,” he added.

Two weeks ago, the PTFoMS shipped to Monato 50,000 wanted flyers containing the computer sketch of Mangumpit, produced with the assistance of the APO Production Unit, Inc.

Monato said these would be distributed to the public to aid in the manhunt for Mangumpit.

On the other hand, 20,000 pieces of the flyers were given to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) which promised to distribute them in all PPA ports in Mindanao.

A total reward of P3.7 million is being offered by the government to those who can help in the apprehension of the suspects.

It will be recalled that Jumalon was gunned down last November 5, 2023 in Calamba, Misamis Occidental while conducting his live broadcast inside his residence, which happen to be the radio station.

Jumalon is the owner and anchor of 94.7 Gold FM community radio station based in Calamba, Misamis Occidental.

While the arrested suspects continue to maintain their silence, Gutierrez express confidence they would soon confess to their roles in the crime.