Outcry following the homicide of renowned 89-year-old Filipino media personality within domestic residence.
Shocking Murder of Journalism Pioneer, Johnny Dayang
The journalism community in the Philippines is demanding swift action following the brutal murder of media icon, Johnny Dayang. On the evening of April 29, 2025, Dayang, aged 89, was gunned down at his residence in Kalibo town, Aklan province.
Dayang, who would have turned 90 in June, was watching TV when a helmet-wearing assailant fired three shots from outside his home, strucking him on his neck and back. The tragedy left a deep impact on the Philippine publishing landscape, with the President of the Publishers Association of the Philippines Inc. (Papi), Nelson Santos, describing Dayang's death as "a significant loss."
A prominent figure in Philippine journalism, Dayang served as the president of Papi for over 20 years, the Manila Overseas Press Club, former director of the National Press Club, and the founding president of the Federation of Provincial Press Clubs of the Philippines. During the time of his murder, Dayang was also holding the position of secretary of the Catholic Mass Media Awards.
The attack on Dayang, according to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, is "especially contemptible" considering his age. The group, while appreciating the swift action of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, is calling for a thorough investigation and resolution of the case, taking place as the country prepares to mark World Press Freedom Day on May 3.
Dayang was not only a pillar for the Aklan Press Club Inc., but also a respected media figure, father, mentor, and friend to many. His dedication, wisdom, and inspiring spirit, according to the Aklan Press Club Inc., touched countless lives, and his legacy will continue to inspire us all.
Investigations into Dayang's murder are still ongoing, with authorities working tirelessly to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. However, impunity for such crimes remains a persistent issue in the Philippines, as the country continues to rank unusually high in journalist killings since the restoration of democracy in 1986.
Dayang's case serves as a stark reminder of the challenging working conditions for journalists in the Philippines, where threats and lawsuits are common, and press freedom is under constant scrutiny. The killing of journalists in the Philippines remains a grave concern, made worse by the absence or lack of accountability.
Carlos Conde, a former journalist and senior researcher for New York-based Human Rights Watch, has urged the Marcos administration to bring the perpetrators to justice and put an end to the culture of impunity that has allowed such tragedies to continue unchecked.
As the investigation into Dayang's murder unfolds, the journalism community in the Philippines awaits the day when justice will be served for this esteemed media figure, triggering debates about press safety in the country.
(Ronald O. Reyes/our website Philippines)
Insights:
- Authorities are actively pursuing "good leads" in the case, including reviewing CCTV footage and investigating possible links to Dayang's dual role as a journalist and former Kaliban mayor, as well as midterm election connections.
- The Philippine National Police is actively leading the investigation to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
- Dayang had previously reported suspicious individuals near his home to the police but it remains unclear whether these were related to his journalism, political activities, or other disputes.
- The Philippines has a long history of unresolved journalist killings, with over 200 cases since 1986.
- Associates of Dayang emphasized his decades-long advocacy for press freedom, raising concerns about targeted violence against media figures.
- Media organizations like the Iloilo Media-Citizen Council are demanding urgent action to address journalist killings in the country.
- The case has reignited discussions about press safety in the Philippines, where threats, lawsuits, and gender-based threats against journalists are common.
- The Philippine National Police is actively leading the investigation into the murder of veteran journalist Johnny Dayang, promising a thorough examination and resolution of the case.
- Both the government and the journalism community are urging authorities to Bring to justice the perpetrators responsible for the heinous crime committed against Dayang, highlighting the importance of justice for prominent figures in the media industry.
- With Dayang's murder occurring just prior to World Press Freedom Day, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines calls attention to the persistent issue of impunity for crimes against journalists in the Philippines, pushing for increased action and accountability.
- As Dayang served in various influential roles within the Philippine journalism industry, his influence extended beyond Manila to Aklan Province, where he was a pillar and mentor for the Aklan Press Club Inc.
- In light of the continuing threats and lawsuits against journalists in the Philippines, media organizations like the Iloilo Media-Citizen Council are echoing calls for urgent action to address the issue, ensuring safety and freedom for journalists across the country.
- The assassination of Dayang serves as a grim reminder of the challenges faced by journalists in the Philippines, with the country consistently ranking high in journalist killings and threats against press freedom since the restoration of democracy in 1986.
