By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA – The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) on Tuesday denounced the killing of veteran journalist and Publishers Association of the Philippines (PAPI) chairman emeritus Juan “Johnny” Dayang.
In a statement, PTFoMS Executive Director Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr. said the Philippine National Police (PNP) is now conducting an investigation to identify and apprehend the suspects in Dayang’s killing.
“We are closely coordinating with all concerned agencies to ensure the immediate resolution of this case,” Torres said.
Dayang, 89, was shot by an unidentified assailant inside his residence in Kalibo, Aklan, at around 8 p.m. on Tuesday, according to the PTFoMS statement.
Dayang, a former Kalibo town mayor, was rushed to the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Torres offered his deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Dayang.
“We stand in solidarity with the media community as we mourn the passing of Mr. Dayang, a figure regarded as a pillar of Philippine journalism whose contributions greatly enriched our democratic discourse,” he said.
“His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of journalists in their pursuit of truth and justice,” Torres added.
The PTFoMS is on heightened alert in the wake of reported threats and violence against journalists amid the election season.
The National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC) also strongly condemned the killing of Dayang.
“We call on the Presidential Task Force on Media Security and other concerned authorities to conduct a thorough investigation on the incident and bring those responsible for Mr. Dayang’s death to justice,” NPC president Leonel Abasola said in a statement.(PNA)
