The family of slain media personality Juan Dayang condemned statements by local Kalibo City police the veteran journalist’s case has been “cleared.”
In the statement, Dayang’s children said they are disappointed by the Kalibo police’s statement, adding declaring the case “cleared” at this stage is “legally inaccurate, premature, and deeply irresponsible.”
“While the Department of Justice has filed a murder case against suspect Kim Wency “BB Boy” Bayang Antonio, no warrant of arrest has been issued, and all suspects remain at large,” the family’s statement reads.
READ: Media industry shocked at veteran journalist’s murder
They pointed that no arrests have been made, multiple (other) suspects remain unidentified or unaccounted for, and the mastermind behind the killing has not been named or pursued.
The victim’s family also said they are alarmed that the Kalibo police exerted no effort in intercepting the alleged gunman at provincial exit points.
The Department of Justice has filed a murder case against suspect Kim Wency “BB Boy” Bayang Antonio but two other reported accomplices remain at large.
The Aklan Police Provincial Office (AkPPO) meanwhile said the Dayang family may have “misunderstood” their use of the term “cleared,” adding they were “diligent” in their investigations.
Captain Aubrey Ayon, AkPPO spokesperson, explained that in police parlance, a case is considered “cleared” when at least one offender has been identified and charged before the prosecutor’s office or court.
Ayon said that the filing of charges against Bayang Antonio indicate sufficient evidence exists against the suspect.
The Dayangs however said such pronouncement is premature, adding their father’s murder appears “barely investigated beyond surface-level details.”
“We demand clarity, not choreography,” they said.
The Dayangs reiterated their demand to authorities to have all suspects pursued, including possible masterminds.
Kalibo Mayor Mayor Juris Sucro and Aklan Governor Jo-en Miraflores have jointly offered a ₱500,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspects. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)
