Suspect in journalist's killing falls in Lanao

CABUYAO CITY — A fugitive wanted for allegedly killing a journalist in 2005 was collared by law enforcers on Friday in Lanao del Norte.

The arrest was made by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Lanao del Norte Provincial Field Unit, Provincial Intelligence Team of Lanao del Norte, Regional Intelligence Unit 10, 51st Mechanized Infantry Company of the Philippine Army's 5th Infantry Battalion, and the territorial police units.

CIDG director MGen. Nicolas Torre III identified the accused as alias Jalal, who was arrested in Barangay Poblacion, in Sapad, Lanao del Norte, by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by a Biñan City court in 2006.

Jalal is wanted for the killing of Robert Ramos — a broadcaster for the Katapat community paper in Laguna — who was shot to death in Cabuyao, Laguna in November 2005.

Ramos died instantaneously after being shot in the head.

The accused had been in hiding for over two decades, transferring from Laguna to Lanao del Norte to evade arrest. .

"I commend the CIDG Lanao del Norte Provincial Field Unit and joint teams for your unrelenting efforts and commitment to capture this fugitive," said Torre.

"With this arrest, we have helped the victim and victim's family attain the justice they deserve," he added.

"Rest assured that your CIDG is steadfast in investigating all crimes involving our journalists and relentless in arresting suspects and fugitives to ensure a safe environment where all our journalists and members of the media can work without fear of reprisal," said Torre.

He issued a warning to criminals and fugitives.

"To all criminals and fugitives, your free days are numbered. The CIDG will catch you, wherever you are," he said.