Kalibo: The Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated a Special Investigation Team on New Cases (SITN) to probe the killing of former Kalibo mayor and experienced journalist Juan ‘Johnny’ Dayang. The move marks a focused effort to address the high-profile case involving the veteran journalist.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DOJ announced that the SITN would be spearheaded by two prosecutors. This team will collaborate with a multi-agency group, including members from the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and other pertinent agencies. The collaboration aims to uphold the rule of law, specifically in cases involving media professionals.
The DOJ’s statement emphasized the Secretary of Justice’s issuance of a Department Order that designates the two prosecutors to lead the SITN. This appointment aligns with Administrative Order No. 01, s. 2016, which empowers the DOJ to work alongside law enforcement bodies to ensure a comprehensive, unbiased, and swift investigation into media-related killings.
The appointed prosecutors are tasked with supervising the fact-finding mission, collecting and securing evidence, and facilitating any necessary legal actions based on the investigation’s outcomes. The SITN is also mandated to provide regular updates to the DOJ throughout the investigation process until the resolution of the case.
Jose Torres Jr., Undersecretary of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMs), has been informed of the formation of the SITN and is actively coordinating with both the prosecutors and the law enforcement teams involved in the investigation.
The DOJ reiterated its dedication to protecting press freedom and ensuring that violence against media workers is addressed with due diligence. Johnny Dayang, who was 89 years old, was fatally shot by an unidentified individual inside his home in Kalibo, Aklan, at approximately 8 p.m. on April 29. At the time of his death, Dayang was serving as the chairman emeritus of the Publishers Association of the Philippines (PAPI) and was the founder of the Aklan Press Club.
