Family of Johnny Dayang Renews Call for Full Justice One Year After His Killing

KALIBO, Aklan- Journalists, colleagues, friends, and supporters gather today at the National Press Club in Manila to mark the first death anniversary of veteran journalist and publisher Johnny Dayang. On this occasion, his family renews its call for full justice and full accountability in his killing.

On the night of April 29, 2025, 89-year-old Johnny Dayang was inside the family’s provincial home in Kalibo, Aklan, which he visited regularly. He was seated in his rocking chair, watching the news, preparing to celebrate his 90th birthday in June, when a gunman fired into the home and killed him.

Dayang was a towering figure in Philippine media and public life. He was a journalist, a publisher, a former mayor, and a lifelong defender of press freedom. Through the Publishers Association of the Philippines and the Manila Overseas Press Club, where he also served as president, he worked to strengthen the media community and support fellow journalists. His killing drew national and international condemnation. The attack was denounced by press freedom advocates, while Philippine authorities publicly vowed “swift justice” and launched investigations into the crime.

One year later, no one has been arrested for the killing of Johnny Dayang. His family has not been informed of any warrant of arrest, nor of any clear breakthrough in the case. For them, justice remains painfully incomplete. As they mark this anniversary, the family says they hold on to their faith in God, but also believe that genuine faith must walk hand in hand with truth, accountability, and justice.

“In the days after Johnny was killed, we heard strong words and promises,” the family said. “Today, even as we gather at the National Press Club to honor his memory, we are still waiting for full accountability, clear answers, and a complete picture of the truth.”

The family expressed deep appreciation for the solidarity of the press community and for the role of institutions that have stood with them.

“We are grateful to the National Press Club, to the Publishers Association of the Philippines, to the Manila Overseas Press Club, and to all media organizations and colleagues who continue to stand with us,” they said. “But the best way to honor Johnny and all fallen journalists is to make sure their cases do not end in impunity.”

For the Dayang family, justice means far more than identifying a gunman. It requires understanding the full motive behind the attack, identifying any mastermind and accomplices, and holding to account anyone who may have enabled or obstructed justice. It requires an investigation that is active, thorough, and transparent. One year on, the family says they have not been given clear information that would show such progress.

They stressed that their experience reflects a broader reality in the Philippines, where journalists continue to be targeted and families often face a long and uncertain path to justice. Every unresolved case, they said, is not only a personal tragedy but also an attack on the public’s right to know and a deepening of a culture of fear and impunity.

To authorities at the local, provincial, and national levels, the family issued a direct appeal: to keep the case of Johnny Dayang a real priority; to ensure that the investigation is serious and sustained; to provide regular and substantive updates to the family and to the public; and to demonstrate, through concrete results, that those who attack journalists will face consequences, regardless of position or influence.

They further urged government institutions and media stakeholders to strengthen protection mechanisms for journalists, to improve how attacks on the press are investigated, and to affirm in practice that a free and safe press is essential to Philippine democracy.

“To everyone who gathers with us today at the National Press Club, journalists, advocates, friends, and supporters, thank you for honoring Johnny’s life and work,” the family said. “We draw strength from our faith in God and from your solidarity. Let this day be not only an act of remembrance, but a renewed commitment to truth, accountability, and the safety and dignity of all journalists.”

“For Johnny, and for all journalists who risk their lives to keep the public informed, we will not stop. We will not forget. We will not be silent. With God’s help, we will keep demanding justice until it is done.”