The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced Friday that a P500,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the suspect in the fatal shooting of veteran journalist and former Kalibo, Aklan mayor Juan “Johnny” Dayang.

In a statement, the PNP said the reward was jointly offered by the Provincial Government of Aklan and the local government unit of Kalibo to anyone who can provide credible information on the suspect’s whereabouts.

The PNP’s Police Regional Office 6 (PRO 6) had earlier reported that local authorities have positively identified the male suspect in Dayang’s killing. However, the PNP has not yet released the suspect’s identity.

According to initial investigation, the PNP said the suspect has a prior criminal record and was previously arrested for illegal drugs in Pasig City in May 2021.

The PNP said a case is now ready for filing against the suspect in connection with Dayang’s death.

“We assure the public that the PNP will not relent in our pursuit of the suspect in the killing of Mr. Johnny Dayang. His identity has been confirmed, and we are exhausting all means to bring him to justice,” PNP chief Police General Rommel Marbil said.

“This is not just about one man — it is about our collective duty to uphold press freedom and protect those who seek and speak the truth,” Marbil added.

Dayang was shot by an unidentified gunman inside his residence in Kalibo around 8 p.m. on Tuesday. He was taken to Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.