The Department of Justice (DoJ) has mobilized a Special Investigation Team on New Cases (SITN) to lead the investigation into the killing of former Kalibo Mayor and veteran journalist Juan “Johnny” P. Dayang, who was fatally shot on 29 April in Barangay Andagao, Kalibo, Aklan.

In pursuit of its mandate to uphold the rule of law and protect members of the press, the Secretary of Justice has issued a Department Order designating two prosecutors to head the SITN. Their appointment is in accordance with Administrative Order No. 01, s. 2016, which authorizes the DOJ to coordinate with law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough, impartial, and expeditious investigation of media-related killings.

The designated prosecutors will immediately convene a multi-agency team composed of investigators from the Philippine National Police, the National Bureau of Investigation and other relevant agencies. They are tasked with leading and supervising the fact-finding process, gathering and securing evidence, and facilitating the filing of appropriate charges, as warranted by the findings.

The SITN is directed to submit regular progress reports to the DoJ until the case is fully resolved. In the meantime, Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr. of the Presidential Task Force on Violence against Media Workers, has been notified of this development and is closely coordinating with the designated prosecutors and law enforcement agencies conducting the investigation.

The Department of Justice remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguard press freedom and ensure that acts of violence against media practitioners do not go unpunished.