OPERATIVES of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested a suspect in the 2005 killing of a tabloid reporter during a law enforcement operation in Sapad, Lanao del Norte.
CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III named the suspect only as Jalal, adding he is one of the most wanted persons at the national level with a P150,000 reward for his capture.
Jalal was arrested by the CIDG in collaboration with other police units and the Army’s 5th Infantry Battalion last Friday in Barangay Poblacion, Sapad by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by a Laguna court in 2006 for murder.
He is wanted for the murder of Robert Ramos, reporter of the Laguna-based weekly tabloid Katapat, who was shot dead by motorcycle-riding men in Cabuyao, Laguna in November 2005.
Ramos sustained gunshot wounds on the head, leading to his instantaneous death, the CIDG said.
The CIDG said the operation was conducted as part of its intensified manhunt operations against the most wanted persons and fugitives in the country.
“For almost two decades, the accused went into hiding and transferred from places in Laguna to Lanao del Norte to evade arrest. However, he was pursued and collared by the relentless CIDG tracker team,” said Torre.
Torre commended the personnel involved in the successful operation.
“With this arrest, we have helped the victim and the victim’s family attain the justice they deserve,” said Torre.
“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,” added Torre.
Torre also warned all criminals and fugitives, saying, “Your free days are numbered.”
“The CIDG will catch you, wherever you are,” he added.
