Aklan scribes appeal following Dayang murder

ILOILO CITY – A coalition of media organizations in Aklan province has called on authorities to address media safety following the murder in Kalibo, Aklan of veteran journalist Juan “Johnny” Dayang days before World Press Freedom Day.

“This tragedy raises critical concerns about the safety and security of media workers,” they said in a statement.

The 89-year-old Dayang was shot dead while watching television on April 19 in his house.

THE wake of veteran journalist Juan ‘Johnny’ Dayang in Kalibo, Aklan. (Courtesy of Radyo Todo Aklan)

“This cannot be dismissed as an isolated incident. Any attack on the Fourth Estate is an attack on the fundamental right to freedom of the press,” said the Aklan Press Club (APC), Aklan Media Integrated Alliance (AMIA), Aklan Police Defense Press Corps (APDPC), Kalibo PNP Press Corps (KPPC), National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP)-Aklan, and the Aklan Media-Citizen Council (AMCC).

Law enforcement, including the Philippine National Police (PNP), were urged to “take immediate action to address these concerns and implement concrete measures to protect journalists from violence and intimidation.”

“We demand accountability and a commitment to ensuring the safety of all journalists and citizens,” they added.

Aklan media honored Dayang who they fondly called “Tay Johnny.”

“He was a staunch advocate for press freedom, a tireless champion of truth and justice, and an inspiration to all of us who strive to uphold the principles of ethical journalism. His death leaves a void that will be difficult to fill,” the group added.