MANILA (2nd UPDATE)— President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Sunday directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct a thorough probe regarding the death of radio anchor Juan Jumalon, saying the attack on the press has no place in society.

"I condemn in the strongest terms the murder of broadcaster Juan Jumalon," Marcos said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).

"Attacks on journalists will not be tolerated in our democracy, and those who threaten the freedom of the press will face the full consequences of their actions," he added.

The Calamba Municipal Police Station said Jumalon was broadcasting on radio station 94.7 Calamba Gold FM in his residence early Sunday when an unidentified gunman shot him in the head.

• Radio broadcaster killed in Misamis Occidental: police

Earlier today, a special investigation task group (SITG) was formed to look into Jumalon's killing in Misamis Occidental, as condemnation poured in regarding his shocking death while doing his show.

Police BGen. Ricardo Layug, Jr., acting regional director of Police Regional Office 10, said a thorough and active investigation to identify the killer is underway.

Layug added that the SITG would lead and coordinate efforts on the probe.

"We extend our full support to the media community and underscore the vital collaboration among law enforcement, the community, and all the stakeholders in ensuring the safety of all the media practitioners in the region," he said in a statement.

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) said it already alerted the National Bureau of Investigation to help gather evidence.

PTFoMS Executive Director Paul Gutierrez said Jumalon's death is considered "work-related for the moment" until another motive is determined.

“We also call on our colleagues in the media and the public not to resort to any speculation or make baseless accusations that can only distract our investigators on the true motive for the attack on Jamalon," said Gutierrez.

The Department of Justice, meanwhile, vowed to ensure a thorough investigation and swift apprehension and prosecution of the perpetrators as it condemned the crime.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of DJ Jonny Walker during this period of grief. The DOJ stands united with them, demanding justice for his brutal murder. We vow to spare no effort in ensuring a thorough investigation, the swift apprehension of the perpetrators, and their subsequent prosecution to the fullest extent of the law," it said in a statement.

It also said it affirms its dedication to "enhancing the situation of journalists and safeguarding their rights."

"We will work tirelessly to create an environment where journalists can carry out their essential work without fear of violence, harassment, or reprisals," the DOJ added.

CONDEMNATION

Akbayan described Jumalon's death as "evil and horrific," adding it is not the first under the Marcos Jr. administration.

"The killings must stop. We call on the government to bring those responsible to justice. And to put an end to the culture of impunity and violence that continues to threaten the lives of journalists across the country," it said.

Bayan Muna executive vice-president Carlos Isagani Zarate, a former journalist, said the killing "is emblematic of impunity still running amuck in our country today."

The Mindanao Independent Press Council Inc., meanwhile, called the killing of their colleague alarming.

The Mindanao-based journalists said any attack on the press is an attack on human rights, press freedom, and democracy.

"Such acts have become notably frequent in this country, and no matter how many journalists are killed in the name of freedom of expression, it remains a fact that this barbarity has no place in a just and civilized society," the group said.

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"We call upon the relevant authorities to take immediate and resolute action in response to this tragedy," they added.

Marcos Jr., who has been described as being friendlier to the press than his predecessor, has vowed to protect press freedom and ensure journalist safety.

But the MIPC stressed that the "overall state of media safety in the Philippines remains a pressing concern."

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines also condemned the killing, noting that it happened shortly after Nov. 2, the International Day to End Impunity For Crimes Against Journalists.

PTFoMS told ABS-CBN News that there were 142 work-related killings among journalists since 1986.

"If Jumalon's death is found to be work-related, it would be 143rd in the Philippines," the task force said.

Press groups, including NUJP, tally 198 killings since 1986.