THE killing of a veteran Filipino journalist in his home in Aklan last Tuesday was a “heinous act” and was condemned yesterday by the PNP and the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS).
Juan “Johnny” Dayang, 89, who served as president emeritus of the Publishers Association of the Philippines Inc., was shot by an unidentified assailant in his home and died before reaching the hospital, the task force said.
“We are closely coordinating with all concerned agencies to ensure the immediate resolution of this case,” Jose Torres Jr., the task force’s executive director, said in a statement.
“We stand in solidarity with the media community as we mourn the passing of Dayang, a figure regarded as a pillar of Philippine journalism whose contributions greatly enriched our democratic discourse,” Torres added.
“We strongly condemn this senseless and cowardly act,” said PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, noting that Dayang “was not only a respected journalist but a cornerstone of Philippine media.”
“To harm a man of his age and stature, in the safety of his own home, is both an affront to human decency and an attack on the very principles of press freedom he upheld throughout his life,” said Marbil.
Marbil said the PNP “will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice,” adding the police force has mobilized teams “to ensure that justice is delivered without delay.”
Despite a media environment that ranks as one of the most liberal in Asia, the Philippines is one of the world’s most dangerous places for journalists, particularly in its provinces.
More than 200 journalists have been killed in the country since democracy was restored in 1986, according to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, including 32 in a single incident in 2009.
“The death of Dayang represents a significant loss to the Philippine media and political landscape,” the Publishers Association said in a statement on its Facebook page.
Dayang served as mayor of Kalibo, his hometown, from 1986 to 1987.
A report from the Aklan provincial police office said Dayang was watching TV inside his house in Barangay Andagao when he was shot.
The suspect, wearing a black jacket and a full-face helmet, arrived in the area aboard a motorcycle.
Police said the suspect alighted from his motorcycle, fired three shots from outside the perimeter fence of Dayang’s residence and fled to Calacuchi road, also in Barangay Andagao.
Dayang was brought to the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Dayang, the chairman emeritus of the Publishers Association of the Philippines (PAPI). He served as president of the association for 20 years.
At the time of his death, he was the secretary of the Catholic Mass Media Awards.
He had previously served as president of the Manila Overseas Press Club, director of the National Press Club, and founding president of the Federation of Provincial Press Clubs of the Philippines.
Dayang served as Kalibo town mayor during the time of former President Corazon Aquino.
In a press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said police investigators are pursuing “good leads” in the ongoing probe into the case.
“They are backtracking and forward tracking CCTV footage to trace the movements (of the suspect) before and after the shooting incident involving Mr. Johnny Dayang,” said Fajardo.
Fajardo said investigators from a special investigation task group (SITG) are looking into multiple angles.
She said that while Dayang is a retired media practitioner, they are still investigating if his killing is related to his being a journalist.
“On politics, we are checking if he was supporting candidates for this May’s national and local elections,” said Fajardo. “All angles are being looked into by the SITG.”
‘STANDING IN SOLIDARITY’
“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,” said Torres.
“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. – With Jocelyn Montemayor and Reuters
