MANILA — The regional trial court in Calamba, Misamis Occidental has dismissed the murder complaints against the three individuals tagged in the killing of Misamis Occidental broadcaster Juan “DJ Johnny Walker” Jumalon.

In its decision dated March 18, 2025, the court said the prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the three suspects were involved in Jumalon’s killing.

“The act or omission from which the civil liability of the accused might arise did not exist,” Presiding Judge Michael Ajoc said.

2 suspects arrested in killing of broadcaster Jumalon

Ajoc also directed the provincial jail warden of Oroquieta City to release from detention the two suspects, and the other suspect to be transferred to Zamboanga del Norte in relation to separate pending murder and attempted murder cases.

In his decision, he also hoped the real perpetrators of the killing would be caught by authorities. 

“No other words can exactly describe what the grieving families have been and gone through brought about by the murder of their head of the family. May the authorities exert all their efforts, time, and money to look [for] the real killers and mastermind of the [callous] murder of Juan Jumalon,” the presiding judge said.  

Jumalon, owner of community radio 94.7 Gold FM in Calamba, was shot point blank by a gunman inside his own studio while holding his early morning broadcast on November 5, 2023.

Investigators earlier looked at four possible motives: land dispute, business, local politics and personal conflict.

Authorities close to identifying gunman in Jumalon slay case

A reward of P3.7 million was earlier offered by the government for those who can help in the apprehension of the suspects.