Charges filed vs 3 suspects in broadcaster’s murder

POLICE probers have filed criminal charges against three suspects in last Sunday’s murder of radio broadcaster Juan Jumalon in Calamba, Misamis Occidental.

PNP Public Information Office chief and spokeswoman Col. Jean Fajardo said the murder and theft charges were referred to the Misamis Occidental Prosecutor’s Office last Wednesday.

Fajardo said charged were the alleged gunman and his two cohorts.

She declined to name the gunman, pending a case build-up.

“I hope you understand that the identity of the person who was charged may not be disclosed at this time, pending the conduct of a case buildup,” said Fajardo.

“I don’t want to give further details out of respect to the investigating unit who requested not to give other details as of this time,” Fajardo added.

Fajardo said a witness came forward to identify the gunman based on closed-circuit television footage of the gunman and his cohorts.

Authorities have earlier said a land dispute, involving a property where Jumalon built his home, was among the angles being looked into by investigators.

Asked if the work-related angle has been ruled out, Fajardo said: “All angles are being looked into, including work-related and the issue of ownership of the property where his house is located, and other angles.

“We have yet to pinpoint the motive and all (angles) will be assessed during the case buildup,” said Fajardo.

Last Monday, the PNP released a computer-generated sketch of one of the two lookouts based on descriptions provided by two witnesses.

Last Wednesday, Fajardo reported a “significant development” in the investigation, saying investigators have gathered information that may lead to the identification of the gunman.

Jumalon was shot dead in his residence in P-2, Barangay Don Bernardo A. Neri in Calamba while in the middle of his radio program. A video of the actual shooting spread online as Jumalon’s show was being streamed live.

The gunman pretended he was out to make an important announcement during Jumalon’s radio program and later shot the victim.

One of the two lookouts also entered the Jumalon compound while the other stayed with the getaway motorcycle outside.

The Department of Social Welfare and