PNP looking into 'good leads' on Kalibo journalist's slay

Investigators are looking into "good leads" in the fatal shooting of former Kalibo, Aklan mayor and veteran journalist Juan "Johnny" Dayang, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Wednesday.

"They are pursuing good leads. Nagsimula na rin po silang mag-backtrack ng CCTV footage para ma-trace po 'yung movement before and after the shooting incident," PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said in a press briefing.

(They are pursuing good leads. They have also started backtracking CCTV footage to trace the movement before and after the shooting incident.)

Fajardo said police are considering all angles in the investigation, including the work of the victim in the press and politics.

Dayang was shot by an unidentified gunman inside his residence in Kalibo around 8 p.m. Tuesday. He was rushed to Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

The PNP is in close coordination with the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) and other investigative bodies to immediately identify and arrest the perpetrators.

"We have mobilized our regional units and investigative teams, including the PNP Media Vanguards, to ensure that justice is delivered without delay," PNP chief Police General Rommel Marbil said in a statement.

"The Media Vanguards, composed of PNP officers specially trained to engage and support media practitioners, are also tasked to help strengthen our protection mechanisms for journalists across the country,” he added.

The PNP called on those who have information relevant to the case to report to the police.

Germany's concern, condolences

Meanwhile, the German Embassy in the Philippines on Wednesday expressed concern over Dayang's killing.

"We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends. We also join in sympathy with the journalism community, who lost a long standing pillar," the German Embassy said in a statement.

"We welcome swift action of law enforcement agencies to investigate Mr. Dayang's killing and urge authorities to take concrete steps to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice," it added.

Dayang, 89, was gunned down inside his residence in Barangay Andagao.

He was president emeritus of the Publishers Association of the Philippines and former president of the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC).

The German Embassy also reiterated the call of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) for vigilance, especially with the approaching elections on May 12.

Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr., PTFOMS executive director, has assured that his office has been closely coordinating with all concerned agencies for the immediate resolution of the case. — with a report from Mariel Celine Serquiña/ VDV, GMA Integrated News