Authorities have identified the suspect in the killing of veteran journalist Juan ‘Johnny’ Dayang with a P500,000 reward now offered for information leading to his arrest.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) Western Visayas regional office said the suspect, a male with a previous drug-related case, remains at large. He is expected to be charged with murder.
The reward was jointly offered by the provincial government of Aklan and the local government of Kalibo to boost efforts in locating the suspect.
“We will not stop until we catch the culprit in the killing of Mr. Johnny Dayang,” said PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil. “His identity has been confirmed, and we are taking all steps to arrest and hold him accountable.”
Marbil thanked the local governments for their support and stressed the importance of protecting members of the media. The PNP is working closely with the Presidential Task Force on Media Security to ensure swift justice.
Dayang, 89, was a highly respected journalist and served as President Emeritus of the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. He was killed on April 29, reigniting concerns about the safety of journalists and press freedom in the country.
