Reporter Johnny Dayang fatally gunned down
The Lowdown on the Shocking Slaying of Journalist Johnny Dayang
Yo, hear this: The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) has spoken out against the gruesome murder of esteemed journalist Johnny Dayang. Known for his long-standing career in journalism and serving as the president emeritus of the Publishers Association of the Philippines (PAPI), Dayang was more than just a professional - he was a pillar of Philippine journalism.
At the age of 89, Dayang's life was tragically cut short when an unknown assailant fired multiple shots inside his Kalibo, Aklan, residence around 8 p.m. on April 29, 2025[5]. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Dayang's life could not be saved, and he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is currently investigating the case, aiming to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for this heinous crime[6]. Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr., executive director of PTFOMS, highlighted the importance of collaboration with all involved agencies to swiftly resolve this troubling incident.
Torres addressed the media community, saying, "We're standing united with our peers as we mourn the loss of Mr. Dayang, a dedicated journalist who significantly enriched our democratic discussions." He added his heartfelt condolences to Dayang's family and loved ones during these challenging times[7]. The legacy that Dayang leaves behind will continue to motivate and inspire generations of aspiring journalists in their quest for truth and justice.
In these times, it's crucial that we all stay vigilant and back efforts focused on safeguarding press freedom and securing media professionals in the Philippines. As a community, let's honor the memory of Johnny Dayang and the countless others who have lost their lives while seeking truth and justice[8]. #JusticeForJohnny #PressFreedom”
[1] Source: ABS-CBN News - [Link redirect Enrichment][2] Source: GMA News Online - [Link redirect Enrichment][3] Source: Rappler - [Link redirect Enrichment][4] Source: Philippine Star - [Link redirect Enrichment][5] Source: Inquirer - [Link redirect Enrichment][6] Source: PNP Official Twitter - [Link redirect Enrichment][7] Source: PTFOMS Official Twitter - [Link redirect Enrichment][8] Source: Reporters Without Borders - [Link redirect Enrichment]
- Tragically, the murder of Johnny Dayang, a respected journalist and former president emeritus of the Publishers Association of the Philippines, serves as a painful reminder of the imminent need for justice and protection in Philippine journalism.
- As investigations into the crime are being conducted by the Philippine National Police, it is imperative that all agencies collaborate to ensure the expedient resolution of this heinous act against one of the country's most distinguished general-news journalists.
- The Philippine National Police is hard at work aiming to identify and apprehend the perpetrators behind the shooting of Johnny Dayang that occurred in his Kalibi, Aklan residence, an incident that painfully resonates with the ongoing crime-and-justice issues in the Philippines.
- As the devastating news of Johnny Dayang's death reaches the ears of media professionals nationwide, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security has extended its condolences, emphasizing the importance of supporting each other during these trying times and reinforcing the efforts to secure press freedom and safeguard the lives of journalists in the Philippines.
- While the year 2025 saw more light being shed on the alarming issue of crime against journalists, the tragic passing of Johnny Dayang serves as a grim reminder that with unity and determination, we can strive towards a safer and brighter future for journalists and media professionals in the Philippines.
