PNP Defends ‘Cleared Case’ Tag in Dayang Killing

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Aklan Police Provincial Office (AkPPO) maintained that investigators exerted diligent efforts in probing and filing appropriate charges against the gunman in the killing of veteran journalist Juan “Johnny” Dayang.

Captain Aubrey Ayon, AkPPO spokesperson, made the statement following a strongly worded message from the Dayang family criticizing the “premature declaration” that the case was cleared.

Ayon said they understand the family’s sentiments but believe there may have been a misunderstanding of the term used in police procedure.

She explained that in police terminology, a case is considered “cleared” when at least one offender has been identified and charged before the prosecutor’s office or court, indicating that sufficient evidence exists to support the charge.

In a statement released June 6, the Dayang family said they “express our serious disappointment and deep concern over the premature announcement made by the Kalibo Municipal Police Station declaring the murder case of veteran journalist Johnny Dayang as cleared.”

“Let us be clear: the Department of Justice has filed the case, but as of today, no warrant of arrest has been issued, and the suspect remains at large,” the statement continued.

“To publicly declare the case ‘cleared’ under these circumstances is grossly misleading, legally inaccurate, and irresponsible.”

The family noted that a case is not deemed cleared when the primary suspect remains at large.

“It is not ‘cleared’ when the principal has not been identified. It is not ‘cleared’ when justice has not been delivered,” the statement said.

They also expressed alarm over what they called investigative lapses that continue to cast a shadow on the case.

They pointed out that the suspect’s identity was established early on, but exit points were not alerted and the public was not immediately informed.

“Such inaction is inexcusable. This is not a matter of limited resources—it is a failure of leadership, protocol, and commitment to justice,” the family said.

They questioned why the suspect was not placed under surveillance or held for investigation.

They also raised concerns over the lack of immediate coordination with regional and national law enforcement agencies during the critical first 48 hours.

“And yes, we question if the delay in releasing the suspect’s image was intentional,” they added.

The family warned that these failures raise the possibility that the suspect may no longer be accessible—or may have been silenced to conceal the mastermind’s identity.

They reminded authorities that public appearances do not equate to accountability.

“Tactical gear, public hearings, and media statements do not amount to justice. Only a lawful arrest, prosecution, and conviction can do that,” they said.

While previously critical of the local government’s inaction, the family thanked Kalibo Mayor Juris Sucro and Aklan Governor Jose Enrique “Joen” Martin Miraflores for offering a PHP500,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest and identification of those behind the crime.

“This is a necessary and commendable step—but it must be backed by follow-through and pressure at every level of government,” the family added.

They stressed that Dayang was more than a journalist.

“He was a principled man who dedicated his life to telling the truth and serving the public,” they said.

“His assassination is an attack not just on our family but on democratic values, freedom of the press, and the dignity of human life.”

They reiterated that a case can only be considered cleared once the suspect is arrested, the mastermind is exposed, and justice is fully served through lawful means.

Meanwhile, Ayon said police investigators continue efforts to apprehend the gunman and identify the mastermind behind the killing.