By Ali G. Macabalang

Veteran journalist Juan “Johnny” Dayang was shot dead while watching TV shows inside his residence in Kalibo, Aklan Tuesday night, April 29, according to the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS).

Dayang, 89, former Manila Bulletin correspondent, president emeritus of the Publishers Association of the Philippines (PAPI), and ex-mayor of Kalibo town, was declared dead on arrival at a local hospital shortly after a motorcycle-riding gunman shot him around 9 pm at barangay Andagao, Kalibo, initial reports reaching the PTFoMS said.

Police have launched a manhunt on the black jacket and helmet-wearing assassin, who fired three gunshots from the victim’s perimeter compound before fleeing aboard an ADV motorcycle, the PTFoMS said.

PTFoMS Executive Director Jose Torres Jr. strongly condemned the attack, said “We are closely coordinating with all concerned agencies to ensure the immediate resolution of this case.”

“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,” said Torres.

Usec. Torres extended “deepest condolences” to the bereaved family, saying that Dayang’s “legacy will continue to inspire future generations of journalists in their pursuit of truth and justice.”

In his past 70s and early 80s, Dayang continued his media practice and sustained collaboration with fellow journalists, including this writer on many occasions in Metro Manila. (AGM)