Slain broadcaster Juan Jumalon laid to rest, killers remain at large

Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur (CNN Philippines, November 12) — Broadcaster Juan "Johnny Walker" Jumalon was laid to rest in his hometown Polanco, Zamboanga del Norte on Sunday.

Jumalon was killed on Nov. 5 while airing live in his home in Barangay Don Bernardo A. Neri, Calamba, Misamis Occidental at 5:35 a.m.

Local police said Jumalon did not receive any threats to his life prior to his death.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has filed murder and theft charges against the three suspects in Jumalon's killing, one of whom was identified by name at the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office of Misamis Occidental.

Calamba Police Chief Captain Deore Ragonio said they have already identified the gun-for-hire group where the three suspects allegedly belonged.

He said according to the intelligence team, the group operated in the towns of Sapang Dalaga, Concepcion, Baliangao, Calamba, and Plaridel.

Ragonio said the special investigation task group (SITG) looking into the killing has yet to conclude its probe but he was confident they could solve the case and possibly identify the mastermind of the crime.

On Sunday, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) assured Jumalon's family that law enforcement groups headed by the PNP were doing everything they can to apprehend those responsible for the radioman's death.

Financial assistance worth ₱350,000 from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and House Speaker Martin Romualdez has been given to Jumalon's family, according to PTFoMS.

On Friday, the local government of Misamis Occidental announced it has allocated ₱3.5 million for the capture of Jumalon's killers.

Misamis Occidental Governor Henry Oaminal said a ₱500,000 reward awaits anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest of Jumalon's gunman, while ₱3,000,000 will be given to any law enforcer who can arrest the killer.

In a statement on Sunday, PTFoMS said an additional ₱2 million has been pledged for those who can provide information that would lead to the suspects' arrest.

CNN Philippines' Pia Garcia contributed to this story.