TACLOBAN CITY— Family members and colleagues of veteran journalist and publisher Johnny Dayang have renewed their appeal for justice, one year after he was gunned down inside his home in Kalibo, Aklan with no arrest yet made on the alleged gunman at the time of the commemoration.
Dayang, 89, a respected figure in Philippine journalism and former Kalibo mayor, was killed on April 29, 2025, in an attack that shocked the media community and drew condemnation from press freedom advocates.
Jun Aguirre, chairman of the Aklan Media-Citizens Council, said investigators are still working on the case but urged authorities to prioritize its resolution.
“We just hope the administration and the PNP continue to give priority in solving the case,” Aguirre said, noting that the alleged perpetrators remain at large despite earlier leads and a reward offered for information.
The Dayang family said justice remains “painfully incomplete,” adding that they have yet to be formally updated on any decisive breakthrough or arrest warrant execution in the case.
They stressed that honoring Dayang’s legacy also means ensuring accountability for crimes against journalists.
Meanwhile, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) said legal proceedings have advanced, with murder charges already filed in court and a warrant of arrest issued against the suspect identified as BB Boy Kim Wency Antonio.
Authorities said law enforcement units, including the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation, are actively pursuing the suspect.
PTFoMS executive director Joe Torres urged continued vigilance among journalists, saying press freedom remains essential despite risks.
The Philippines continues to be flagged by international watchdogs as one of the most dangerous countries for media workers, with past cases of violence against journalists underscoring persistent concerns over impunity.
(RONALD O. REYES)
