Prime suspect in Misamis Occidental broadcaster slay nabbed

ARRESTED. Police arrest Julito Mangumpit alias Ricky, the primary suspect in the November 2023 killing of Misamis Occidental radio broadcaster Juan Jumalon in Zamboanga Del Norte on Monday (April 29, 2024). An investigation to identify the crime’s mastermind is underway. (PNA photo by Lloyd Caliwan)

MANILA – Authorities arrested on Monday the primary suspect in the killing of Misamis Occidental radio broadcaster Juan “Johnny Walker” Jumalon in Zamboanga del Norte.

In a press conference at Camp Crame, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said Julito Mangumpit alias ‘Ricky’ was arrested by Misamis Occidental and Zamboanga del Norte police personnel in Dipolog City at around 3:10 a.

m.

Mangumpit’s arrest was based on the intelligence reports on his location.

A background check showed that Mangumpit, a former New People’s Army (NPA) rebel, has outstanding arrest warrants for murder, frustrated murder, direct assault and drug charges.

His arrest brought to three the number of suspects nabbed in connection with Jumalon’s death.

Two other suspects — Boboy Bongcawel (alias Boboy) and Renante Bongcawel (alias Inteng) — were arrested last March 15 in Barangay Poblacion, Sapang Dalaga, Misamis Occidental.

Fajardo said the gun used in killing Jumalon was the same gun used in the assassination of a municipal engineer also in Misamis Occidental.

“The investigation is still ongoing since we believe that these arrested suspects were just ordered to kill Ka Johnny Walker,” she said, adding that they are looking for the mastermind behind Jumalon’s murder.

Fajardo said a PHP3.7 million bounty would be awarded to those who gave information that led to the arrest of the suspects.

Jumalon was gunned down on Nov. 5, 2023 in Calamba town during a live broadcast inside the 94.7 Gold FM community radio station.