CHR launches own probe of journalist’s slay

May 03, 2025 – Philippines – 

Veteran journalist and former Kalibo mayor Juan “Johnny” Dayang was fatally shot inside his residence in Barangay Andagao, Kalibo, Aklan, on the evening of April 29, 2025. The 89-year-old, who served as president emeritus of the Publishers Association of the Philippines Inc., was watching television when an unidentified assailant fired three bullets through his living room window. He was rushed to Dr. Rafael Tumbokon Memorial Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

In response to the killing, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) launched an independent investigation, deploying a quick response team to Kalibo. The CHR emphasized the need to protect media workers and urged journalists to report any threats or attacks through its Alisto! Alert Mechanism.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has also formed a special investigation task group and deployed its “Media Safety Vanguards” to assist in the probe. The Presidential Task Force on Media Security condemned the killing as a “heinous act” and is closely coordinating with relevant agencies to ensure the case’s immediate resolution.

Colleagues and media organizations have expressed outrage over Dayang’s murder, describing it as a brutal attack on press freedom. The Iloilo Media-Citizen Council labeled the incident as “senseless and brutal,” highlighting the dangers journalists face in the Philippines.

Reference – 

CHR launches own probe of journalist’s slay

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/12/09/21/palace-asks-pnp-to-probe-killing-of-journalist-in-samar

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/05/01/2439671/journalist-juan-dayang-shot-dead