Ipinaabot ni Speaker Martin Romualdez ang pakikiramay sa naiwang pamilya ng radio host na si Juan Jumalon na kilala rin bilang si DJ Johnny Walker.
Kasunod ito ng malagim na pamamaslang kay Jumalon habang nasa kalagitnaan ng kaniyang radio program kung saan siya pinagbabaril.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic demise of radio host Juan Jumalon, fondly known as DJ Johnny Walker of 94.7 Calamba Gold FM. Our thoughts and prayers are with DJ Johnny Walker’s family, friends, and colleagues during this challenging time.” sabi ni Romualdez.
Ayon kay Romualdez marapat lang na kumilos agad ang mga awtoridad para tukuyin at panagutin ang salarin at bigyang hustisya ang pagkamatay ng radio host.
Kasabay nito binigyan diin ni Romualdez ang kahalagahan ng press freedom bilang sandigan ng demokrasya,
Aniya lahat ng mamamahayag ay dapat bigyang kalayaan na magampanan ang kanilang propesyon ng hindi matatakot para sa kanilang kaligtasan.
“The freedom of the press is a cornerstone of our democracy. Every journalist deserves the right to exercise their profession without fearing for their safety or their lives. Any attack or violence against members of the media is unacceptable and deeply troubling. We must ensure that those responsible for these heinous acts are brought to justice.” diin ng House leader.
Kinilala din ng Leyte solon ang kahalagaan ng boses ng mga mamamahayag. Aniya, kaisa sila sa pagsusulong ng kaligtasan ng mga journalist sa bansa at mailayo sila sa anumang uri ng pananakot.
Panawgan din nito na tapusin na ang lahat ng uri ng karahasan laban sa mga mamamahayag at kilalanin ang ‘free expression’ sa bansa.
“To Filipino journalists: Your voices matter. Your stories matter. We stand with you and will continue to advocate for your safety and the right to perform your duties without intimidation or harm. Together, we will strive to put an end to these senseless acts of violence and uphold the sanctity of free expression in the Philippines.” dagdag ni Romualdez. | ulat ni Kathleen Jean Forbes
