ILOILO CITY—Local officials and media groups are demanding a swift and thorough investigation into the brazen killing of veteran journalist Juan “Johnny” P. Dayang, 89, in Kalibo town, Aklan province on Tuesday night.
“We demand a swift and thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice. No stone will be left unturned in our pursuit of accountability,” said Aklan Gov. Jose Enrique “Joen” Miraflores.
“The circumstances surrounding his death are deeply disturbing,” added Miraflores in a statement.
Based on initial investigation, a gunman entered the house of Dayang and shot him past 8 p.m. on April 29 while he was drinking tea and watching TV.
The 89-year-old Dayang died from two bullet wounds in the back and neck.
“This was not only a heinous crime against one man, but a threat to our entire Kalibonhon community,” said Mayor Juris Bautista Sucro of Kalibo, where Dayang was an OIC mayor after the 1986 EDSA People Power revolution.
“He was gunned down in the sanctity of his own home, an affront to the values we hold dear as a peaceful and justice-seeking society,” noted Sucro.
“We will pursue justice and honor Sir Johnny’s legacy—not with fear, but with firm determination to protect our people and uphold the peace he deeply valued,” added Sucro.
The media expressed shock over the brutal murder of Dayang.
“We strongly condemn this killing, and we are calling for justice,” said the Publishers Association of the Philippines Inc. (PAPI) which Dayang served as president for over 20 years.
“This attack is especially contemptible as he was 89-years-old,” noted the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP).
“What kind of heartless coward would do this? He didn’t deserve such a cruel and senseless end,” expressed journalist Roy Mabasa.
“This is terrible! He was 89-years-old!” added Inday Espina-Varona.
The National Press Club (NPC) has urged the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) and other law enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation.
The PTFoMS assured it is conducting an investigation.
“We are closely coordinating with all concerned agencies to ensure the immediate resolution of this case,” said Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr., executive director of PTFoMS.
The Iloilo Media-Citizen Council considered Dayang’s “cold-blooded murder inside his own home as a new low in the attacks against journalists and media workers in this country.”
Many media groups also expressed sadness over Dayang’s death.
“He was not only a pillar of the Aklan Press Club, a respected media man, but also a father, mentor, and friend to so many. His dedication, wisdom, and inspiring spirit touched countless lives, and his legacy will continue to inspire us all,” said the Aklan Press Club in a statement.
He wrote for several publications, including Tempo (which published his “Echoes From” column) and Balita, both under the Manila Bulletin.
Dayang was also a president of the Manila Overseas Press Club, a former NPC director, and founding president of the Federation of Provincial Press Clubs of the Philippines.
When he died, Dayang was secretary of the Catholic Mass Media Awards.
He was appointed as officer-in-charge mayor of Kalibo by President Corazon C. Aquino following the 1986 EDSA People Power revolution.
The Police Regional Office-6 also condemned the killing of Dayang.
“Rest assured, PRO-6 is pursuing an airtight investigation and shall explore all available legal means to identify and bring the suspects to court and that justice be served,” it said in a statement.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has mobilized investigative teams to help expedite the investigation into the Dayang’s murder.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said police investigators are also working with other investigative bodies to immediately identify and arrest the perpetrators of the attack. (Tara Yap, Aaron Recuenco)
