Albay Governor Grex Lagman will personally donate P50,000.00 to Misamis Occidental Provincial Police Office to support the investigation and bring justice into the tragic assassination of a mediaman based in Misamis Occidental.
Broadcaster Juan Jumalon, alias “Johnny Walker,” a radio anchor and station manager of Gold FM 94.7 was gunned down during his live broadcast recently in Calamba, Misamis Occidental.
“Mag-aambag po ako ng personal ko na tulong sa halagang 50k pesos sa Misamis Occidental Provincial Police Office para sa tama at agarang imbestigasyon sa pagpaslang kau Mr. Jumalon. Nawa’y makamit niya ang hustisya asap,” Lagman said.
The governor expressed deep sorrow over the brutal killing of Jumalon and condemned the ongoing violence against members of the media.
“Dapat malaman ng bawat Albayano na ang katotohanan ay kinikilala bilang una at napakamahalagang hakbang para kitilin ang human rights violations.”
“Dapat malaman ng bawat Albayano na ang katotohanan ay kinikilala bilang una at napakamahalagang hakbang para kitilin ang human rights violations at magkaroon ng accountability sa pago-gobyerno. So ano man pong timbangan sa lipunan natin dapat kumikiling ito sa katotohanan at hindi sa kapangyarihan,” he stressed.
Lagman strongly advocated an end to the senseless killing of journalists and media professionals.
“Let us remember that media freedom serves as the foundation for protecting various human rights. Instances of torture, discrimination, corruption, or the misuse of power that often remain shrouded in darkness have been exposed multiple times when illuminated by the light of truth, thanks to investigative journalists,” he stressed.
Lagman underlined the importance of upholding freedom of expression, protecting media freedom, and ensuring the safety of all journalists on both traditional and social media platforms.
“A free, independent, and pluralistic media anchored in the principles of freedom of information and expression is the most crucial element of a functioning democracy.”
“A free, independent, and pluralistic media anchored in the principles of freedom of information and expression is the most crucial element of a functioning democracy,” he said.
Furthermore, Lagman underscores the significance of pursuing the truth as the cornerstone of preventing human rights violations and promoting accountability in governance.
He emphasized that the search for truth should transcend power and be a guiding principle in society.
