THE media community across the Philippines is mourning the death of veteran journalist Juan ‘Johnny’ Dayang, 89, and is calling for a full investigation into his killing after he was shot inside his home in Kalibo, Aklan, on the night of Tuesday, April 29.
Dayang, believed to be the oldest journalist killed in the country, was a former mayor of Kalibo and president emeritus of the Publishers Association of the Philippines Inc. (Papi). His death has sparked outrage nationwide, with press groups and public figures condemning the act.
“This attack is especially despicable because the victim was 89 years old, shot inside his own home,” the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said in a statement. The group joined the media community in demanding justice and commended the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) for its “swift action” in responding to the case.
NUJP emphasized the urgency of a full investigation and resolution of the killing, which took place just days before World Press Freedom Day.
According to NUJP data, Dayang is among roughly 200 journalists killed in the Philippines since the 1986 Edsa Revolution. From 2020 to the present, 15 journalists have been killed — four in 2020, three in 2021, six in 2022, one in 2024, and one so far in 2025.
The Mindanao Independent Press Council (MIPC) also issued a statement condemning what it described as a brutal killing and a “stark reminder of the culture of impunity” that continues to endanger journalists across the country — particularly in Mindanao, where violence against media workers persists with little accountability.
MIPC Chairperson Editha Z. Caduaya said Dayang’s death mirrors the unsolved murders of journalists in recent years.
“While authorities promise investigations, history shows a pattern of failure,” she said.
In a social media post, PAPI called Dayang’s death “a significant loss to the Philippine media and political landscape.”
“We are in solidarity with the Publishers Association of the Philippines, of which Dayang was president emeritus, and with colleagues who met, worked with, and learned from him,” the NUJP added.
Senatorial candidate Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Pacquiao also issued a statement strongly condemning the killing, describing it as “a direct attack on our freedom, our democracy, and our right to the truth.”
“Si Johnny Dayang ay hindi lamang mamamahayag. Isa siyang mandirigma ng katotohanan na ginamit ang kanyang tinig upang panagutin ang mga nasa kapangyarihan at ipaglaban ang mga walang kakayahang ipaglaban ang kanilang sarili,” Pacquiao said.
“To his family, I extend my deepest sympathies. I know that no words can ease the pain, but please know that the nation mourns with you. We will not let his voice be forgotten.”
Pacquiao also called on law enforcement and the justice system to act swiftly and decisively.
“Ipakita nating sa Pilipinas, hindi makakalaya ang mga pumapatay sa katotohanan,” he said.
Authorities have yet to release details regarding the motive or suspects. Investigations are ongoing.
