MANILA, Philippines, Nov 5, (Agencies): In the Philippines, a tragic incident unfolded on Sunday, as a radio broadcaster lost his life after being shot inside his studio, adding to the grim tally of journalists who have met a similar fate in the country.

Juan Jumalon, aged 57, was at his home-based radio station located on the southern island of Mindanao when an assailant entered and shot him in the head. This unfortunate incident was relayed by Captain Deore Ragonio, the police chief in Calamba municipality within Misamis Occidental province. The intruder gained access to the studio by pretending to have an on-air announcement to make, according to a police report. Following the shooting, the suspect managed to escape, and Jumalon was declared dead upon arrival at a local hospital.

Tragically, Jumalon is now the fourth journalist to be killed since President Ferdinand Marcos assumed office in June 2022, as reported by the National Union of Journalists. The Philippines is notorious for being one of the most perilous places in the world for journalists, with a distressing record of their murderers often evading justice. Radio broadcasters outside the capital city are particularly vulnerable targets.

Operating under the alias "DJ Johnny Walker" at his Cebuano-language 94.7 Gold FM Calamba station, Jumalon was known for addressing current events and had no known history of critiquing or antagonizing individuals in his broadcasts, according to Ragonio. His broadcasts also reached a wider audience through the station's Facebook page, which boasts 2,400 followers.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities are actively seeking a motive for this senseless killing, and as of now, they have no knowledge of any previous threats made against Jumalon's life.