P500K reward offered for Johnny Dayang suspect —PNP

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said a P500,000 reward has been offered for information that can lead to the arrest of the suspect behind the fatal shooting of veteran journalist and former Kalibo, Aklan mayor Juan "Johnny" Dayang.

“In support of the ongoing  police operations, the Provincial Government of Aklan and the local government unit of Kalibo have jointly offered a P500,000 reward to any individual who can provide credible information on the whereabouts of the suspect,” the PNP said in a statement.

The PNP said the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO 6) earlier reported that the suspect in Dayang’s killing has been positively identified by local authorities.

PRO 6 identified the suspect as Kim Wency Antonio, according to the .

Citing initial investigation, the PNP said the suspect had a prior criminal record and was previously arrested over illegal drugs in Pasig City in May 2021.

A case is now ready for filing against the suspect in connection with Dayang’s killing, the PNP said.

“We assure the public that the PNP will not relent in our pursuit of the suspect in the killing of Mr. Johnny Dayang. His identity has been confirmed, and we are exhausting all means to bring him to justice,” PNP chief Police General Rommel Marbil said.

“This is not just about one man—it is about our collective duty to uphold press freedom and protect those who seek and speak the truth,” he added.

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