Colleagues condemn killing of Aklan journalist Johnny Dayang
CONDEMNED KILLING. Local authorities examine the crime scene where veteran journalist and former Kalibo mayor Juan “Johnny” Dayang was gunned down in his home on Tuesday evening (April 30, 2025). The Iloilo Media-Citizen Council denounced the “senseless and brutal” killing, calling it a blow to press freedom and a grim reminder of the dangers faced by journalists. (Photo courtesy of Jun Aguirre)
ILOILO CITY — A media organization in Iloilo strongly condemned Tuesday’s “senseless and brutal” killing of Juan “Johnny” Dayang, a prominent journalist and former mayor of Kalibo, Aklan.
In a statement released Wednesday, the Iloilo Media-Citizen Council said Dayang, 89, was a respected figure in journalism and public relations, and 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.”
The group warned that Dayang’s killing — after reportedly expressing concerns about threats to his safety — sends a chilling message to the media profession: “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.
Jun Aguirre, president of the Aklan Media-Citizen Council and a correspondent for the Boracay Island News Network, said Dayang’s death was a major loss to the local media community. He was among those who saw Dayang’s body after it was rushed to Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital, where the veteran journalist was declared dead on arrival.
Dayang was chair emeritus of the Publishers Association of the Philippines Inc. (PAPI) and founder of the Aklan Press Club.
“He’s a big loss. His wisdom and advice to the media will be missed,” Aguirre said.
PAPI also condemned the attack. “We strongly condemn this killing, and we are calling for justice. 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 and law enforcement authorities to investigate Dayang’s murder promptly, 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,” PAPI added.
Dayang was shot by an unidentified assailant inside his residence in Barangay Andagao, Kalibo, shortly after 8 p.m. Tuesday.
