AKLAN, Philippines – Former Kalibo Mayor and veteran journalist Juan “Johnny” Dayang was shot dead inside his home in Barangay Andagao, Kalibo, Aklan, on the evening of Tuesday, April 29.
Initial police reports said the 89-year-old Dayang was relaxing in his living room after dinner, waiting for tea, when at least two armed men entered his home around 8:30 p.m. and fired multiple shots. He sustained gunshot wounds to the neck and back. His househelp heard three gunshots before finding Dayang in a pool of blood.
Dayang was declared dead shortly after.
Authorities have yet to release official findings but are investigating the incident as a likely targeted attack. Kalibo police are also reviewing prior reports made by Dayang about unidentified men loitering near his house in the days leading up to the incident. Earlier that same day, two men on a motorcycle wearing bonnets were seen outside the residence.
Dayang was a towering figure in both journalism and public service. He was former president of the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI), chairman emeritus of the Aklan Press Club, and publisher of Philippine Graphic Magazine and Headline Manila Daily. He also served as president of the Manila Overseas Press Club and held roles in several government and civic organizations including UNESCO and the Red Cross.
News of his death has sparked outrage across the media community, with colleagues calling for a swift and transparent investigation.
His death adds to the growing list of attacks against journalists in the Philippines—a country long regarded as one of the most dangerous places in the world to practice journalism.