ILOILO CITY — A media organization in Iloilo has strongly condemned the “senseless and brutal” killing of Juan “Johnny” Dayang, a prominent media personality and the former mayor of Kalibo, Aklan.
In a statement, the Iloilo Media-Citizen Council said Dayang, 89, was not only a respected figure in journalism and public relations, but also a steadfast advocate of press freedom and public discourse.
“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,” the council said.
“We reject violence in all its forms. Murder is not the way to silence voices, settle disputes, or erase legacies. It sent a chilling message to colleagues in the media profession that no one is safe, not even the elderly, not even those who have long retired from the daily grind of media work,” it added.
The group warned that the killing of Dayang, who had reportedly expressed concerns about threats to his safety before he was gunned down on Tuesday night, sends a chilling message to journalists: “No one is safe — not even the elderly, not even those who have long stepped away from the daily grind.”
“We call on the Philippine National Police and relevant authorities to act with urgency, impartiality, and transparency in investigating this crime and bringing the perpetrators to justice. Impunity has emboldened attackers for far too long,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, Jun Aguirre of the Boracay Island News Network and president of the Aklan Media-Citizen Council said Dayang’s death was a big loss to the media community in Aklan.
Aguirre personally saw Dayang’s body when he was rushed to Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital and was declared dead upon arrival by the attending physician.
Dayang was chairman emeritus of the Publisher Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI) and founder of the Aklan Press Club. “He’s a big loss. His wisdom and advice to media will be missed,” he added.
Meanwhile, PAPI has joined other media organizations in condemning the attack on Dayang, their chairman emeritus.
“We strongly condemn this killing, and we are calling for justice. Hindi niya deserve ang cruel and senseless end (he did not deserve this cruel and senseless end),” PAPI President Nelson Santos said in a social media post.
“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.”
Santos urged the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) and law enforcement authorities to promptly investigate Dayang’s murder, identify the gunman and mastermind, and ensure accountability.
“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 added.
Dayang was shot by an unidentified assailant inside his residence in Barangay Andagao, Kalibo past 8 p.m. on Tuesday.(PNA)