Bereaved families of a radio anchor who was shot dead while live-streaming his program at his home received assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Assistant Secretary Romel Lopez reported on Thursday (November 9) during the DSWD Thursday Media Forum at the Central Office.

Juan Jumalon, also known as ‘DJ Johnny Walker’, was killed by unidentified assailants who entered his home-based station in Calamba town in Misamis Occidental and shot the broadcaster in the face, according to a police report.

“Our social worker immediately went to the family of the broadcaster to extend our condolences and assess the assistance needed,” Asst. Sec. Lopez, who is also ,the DSWD spokesperson, said.

Mary Jesary Baroro, a social worker of DSWD-Field Office 10 (Northern Mindanao), personally handed over to the grieving Jumalon family the amount of Php20,000 in financial aid that can be used for burial and funeral expenses.

The two children of Jumalon will be provided with educational assistance amounting to Php5,000 each. The family will also be referred for assessment of their eligibility to the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

“This initiative underscores the DSWD’s commitment to assisting families affected by tragedies, as well as recognizing the vital role of media professionals in society and ensuring their welfare and of their families during challenging times,” Asst. Sec. Lopez pointed out.

The provision of aid to the bereaved family of the slain broadcaster is part of the Department’s implementation of the Media Welfare Program, according to the DSWD spokesperson.

Asst. Secretary Lopez reported that from July 2022 to October this year, the DSWD has extended assistance amounting to P44.8 million to some 1,636 media people in crisis situation.

The DSWD gives importance to the significant role of media, and commits to protect their welfare. #