ILOILO CITY – Family and friends of slain veteran journalist Juan “Johnny” Dayang Sr. remembered him on what would have been his 90th birthday.
DAYANG
“He was born on the feast of St. John the Baptist, a prophet who prepared the way. He was taken from us – through violence – on the feast of Saint Catherine of Siena, a saint who spoke truth fearlessly. My father did both, not from a pulpit, but through his pen, his work, and the quiet integrity of his daily life,” wrote his son Consul General to Turkey Juan “Jed” Dayang Jr. on Tuesday, June 24.
The 89-year-old Dayang was shot and killed in his home in Kalibo town, Aklan province last April 29.
“He believed in the power of truth, in the strength of family, and in service without applause. Even in the face of injustice, he lived with hope,” Jed said.
The Dayang family urged people to do good in his memory to mark his birthday.
“Speak a word of truth, help someone quietly, pray for peace, or simply love your family well,” Jed said.
“We don’t all need to be saints in stained glass. Some are saints in the newsroom. Some are saints at the dinner table. Some are saints who carry a heavy cross and still smile,” Jed added.
Aklan media continue to call for justice as no suspects have been arrested.
The Aklan Police Provincial Office under Police Col. Arnel Ramos said that Dayang’s murder is already “cleared” as suspects have been charged in court.
Dayang was a longtime president of the Publishers Association of the Philippines Inc. (PAPI) and served as president of the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) and director and board secretary of the National Press Club (NPC).
Dayang was a columnist of Tempo and Balita under Manila Bulletin Publishing Corp.
The veteran journalist was officer-in-charge mayor of Kalibo after the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution.