A media practitioner and former mayor of Kalibo town in the Province of Aklan was shot dead.

Juan Dayang, 89 years old, called fondly as "Johnny," was shot dead in his residence in Villa Salvacion, Barangay Andagao, Kalibo evening on April 29, 2025.

He was taken to the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

According to Dayang’s neighbors, they heard two to three shots inside the victim’s house.

His family said that Dayang was seated at the sala watching television when the assailant shot him.

It was learned that Dayang served as mayor of Kalibo on an officer in charge (OIC) capacity.

He also served as president of the Publishers Association of the Philippines (PAPI).

As of this writing, the authorities are investigating on the identity of the perpetrator and the motive.

In a statement, Police Colonel Arnel Enrico Ramos, director of Aklan Provincial Police Office (Aklan PPO), “strongly condemns the brutal murder of veteran journalist Juan "Johnny" Dayang."

Ramos has assured the public that the Aklan PPO is committed to a thorough and swift investigation to bring the perpetrators and be held accountable. 

"This act of violence against a respected member of the media community is unacceptable," Ramos said.

"We are deploying all available resources to identify and apprehend those responsible for this senseless crime. We are working closely with other law enforcement agencies and pursuing all available leads to ensure a complete and impartial investigation," his statement further reads.    

Moreover, Ramos has extended his condolences to Dayang's family and friends, recognizing his "significant contributions to Philippine journalism." 

"Aklan PPO is dedicated to upholding press freedom and ensuring the safety of all media professionals in the province. The police are appealing to anyone with information regarding this case to come forward and assist in the investigation. All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality," Ramos added. 

(via GMA Super Radyo Iloilo, Super Radyo Kalibo)