JUAN “Johnny” Dayang, a veteran journalist and president emeritus of the Publishers Association of the Philippines (Papi), was shot and killed inside his residence in Barangay Andagao, Kalibo, Aklan, around 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, 2025.
The 89-year-old victim was rushed to a hospital but he was declared dead on arrival.
"We are closely coordinating with all concerned agencies to ensure the immediate resolution of this case," said Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr., executive director of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS).
"We stand in solidarity with the media community as we mourn the passing of Mr. Dayang, a figure regarded as a pillar of Philippine journalism whose contributions greatly enriched our democratic discourse," he said.
"We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Dayang during this difficult time. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of journalists in their pursuit of truth and justice," he added.
The Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6) condemned the killing and vowed to pursue an airtight investigation.
“We shall explore all available legal means to identify and bring the suspects to court and ensure that justice is served,” said Brigadier General Jack Wanky, regional director of PRO 6.
“We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family and affirm our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the people of Aklan Province and the rest of Region 6,” he added.
The Iloilo Media-Citizen Council also condemned the killing in a public statement.
"His cold-blooded murder inside his own home -- where he should have been safest -- marks a new low in the attacks against journalists and media workers in this country. We reject violence in all its forms. Murder is not the way to silence voices, settle disputes, or erase legacies. This heinous act sends a chilling message to the press: that no one is safe, not even the elderly, not even those who have long retired from the daily grind of media work," the statement read.
The council urged the Philippine National Police to act with urgency, impartiality, and transparency in investigating the killing of Dayang.
"Let Johnny Dayang’s life and legacy be a rallying cry to protect journalists, uphold press freedom, and demand accountability from those who use bullets to bury the truth. No journalist -- active or retired -- should live or die in fear. We grieve. We seek justice. We will not be silenced," it added.
Dayang was not only a respected journalist but also a former mayor of Kalibo and a known public relations practitioner. He had long been an advocate of press freedom and nation building.
The PTFOMS called on the public to remain vigilant and to support efforts that uphold press freedom and protect journalists across the Philippines. (Leo Solinap)