ILOILO CITY – The family of slain veteran journalist Juan “Johnny” Dayang decried statements made by the police that his April 29 murder in Kalibo town, Aklan province is already a “cleared” case.
“Johnny Dayang stood for truth, public service, and press freedom. His assassination is not just a family tragedy – it is a national concern. To label his case ‘cleared’ without arrests, without full disclosure, and without justice is a grave disservice to his life and legacy,” said the family in a statement released on Friday, June 6.
The family of the 89-year-old Dayang was reacting to the “inaccurate, premature, and deeply irresponsible” statement made by Kalibo police chief Major Frensy Andrade to the Aklan Provincial Board this week.
“This case has not been solved. In fact, it appears barely investigated beyond surface-level details,” the Dayang family noted.
No arrests have been made by the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Dayang under Police Col. Arnel Ramos of the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO).
“The alleged mastermind behind the killing has not been named or pursued,” the Dayang family pointed out.
The family is also alarmed that “multiple suspects remain unidentified” by the police.
So far, only Kim Wency “BB Boy” Bayang Antonio of Cavite was identified as one of the suspects.
Antonio, who remains at large, was named in the murder case recently filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
“We demand clarity, not choreography,” said the family.
“We call on the public, the press, and the government to help us ensure that justice is not denied, delayed, or disguised,” the Dayang family said.
The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) assured the public that there will be justice for Dayang, who was officer-in-charge mayor of Kalibo following the EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986. (Tara Yap)
