Murder of journalist condemned

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THE National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) on Wednesday, April 30, called for justice for the death of veteran journalist Juan "Johnny" Dayang, who was gunned down at his home in Kalibo, Aklan, on Tuesday night. He was 89.

In a statement, the group said Dayang's death was "contemptible" and stood in solidarity with the Publishers Association of the Philippines (PAPI).

"We are in solidarity with the Publishers Association of the Philippines, of which Dayang was president emeritus, and with colleagues who met, worked with, and learned from him," the NUJP said.

"We appreciate the swift action of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security on this matter and join the community in calling for a thorough investigation and resolution of this killing, which happened as we are about to mark World Press Freedom Day," they added.

PAPI also confirmed the passing of Dayang on its Facebook page on Wednesday.

Dayang served as president of the PAPI for 20 years and as president of the Manila Overseas Press Club and the Federation of Provincial Press Clubs of the Philippines, while also holding the position of secretary of the Catholic Mass Media Awards.

"The death of Dayang represents a significant loss to the Philippine media and political landscape. His legacy of leadership, dedication to journalism, and public service will be remembered for generations to come. The nation mourns the passing of this remarkable individual," PAPI said.

"We strongly condemn this killing, and we are calling for justice. He doesn't deserve cruel and senseless end," said Nelson Santos, the current president of PAPI.

"We join the entire media community in demanding justice for our chairman emeritus and his family. We also extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones," he added.

'Tragic and senseless'

A lawmaker called the killing of Dayang "tragic and senseless," and demanded speedy justice over the incident.

"I condemn in the strongest possible terms the brutal killing of Johnny in his beloved home province of Aklan," said Aklan Second District Rep. Teodoro Haresco.

"This act of violence is a deep wound to our community and to the values he upheld throughout his life," added Haresco. "My heart is heavy with grief and disbelief over the tragic and senseless loss of my dear friend, Johnny Dayang."

According to Haresco, Dayang was a towering figure not just in Aklan but in the entire Philippine media landscape.

"As Chair Emeritus of the Publishers Association of the Philippines and the National Press Club, he made indelible contributions as a gifted columnist, publisher, brilliant propagandist, and a committed Red Cross volunteer," he said.

"He was a proud Aklanon — a man of conviction who carried the voice of our province to the national stage," said Haresco.

"May God's light shine upon Johnny's soul. May his life inspire us to uphold truth, justice, and peace. And when he is welcomed into God's eternal embrace, may he hear the words: 'You were My light. Well done, Johnny,'" added Haresco.

Dayang was a former president of the Manila Overseas Press Club and a member of the National Press Club. He served as Kalibo interim mayor after the EDSA People Power Revolution of 1986.

Well-loved in Aklan

Jethro Laserna of the Aklan Press Club told The Manila Times that Dayang was talking to a friend inside his residence when a lone gunman barged in and shot Dayang several times.

Laserna said Dayang was rushed to the Rafael Tumbokon Provincial Hospital in Kalibo, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Dayang, who was noted for his active involvement in the media industry, was supposed to celebrate his 90th birthday on June 24, 2025.

"The people of Kalibo loved him, and we were shocked by this incident," said Laserna.

The Kalibo police are now conducting an investigation on the killing of Dayang to determine the motive and the perpetrator.

"We are closely coordinating with all concerned agencies to ensure the immediate resolution of this case," said Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr., executive director of Presidential Task Force on Media Security.

"We stand in solidarity with the media community as we mourn the passing of Mr. Dayang," added Torres, stressing that Dayang was regarded as a pillar of Philippine journalism.