After almost 20 years, relatives of a Laguna journalist who was killed in 2005 can finally get some closure, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
This, after the alleged gunman was arrested in Lanao del Norte last Friday, April 4.
In a statement, Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) chief P/Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said the suspect, identified only as "Jalal," was arrested in Barangay Poblacion, Sapad, Lanao del Norte.
Jalal is accused of gunning down Robert Ramos, a reporter for Katapat community paper, in Cabuyao in November 2005.
Ramos, a reporter for the weekly newspaper Katapat, was shot twice in the head outside a market in Cabuyao. He was waiting for a ride home from work when two assailants on a motorcycle shot him.
Police said the suspects believed Ramos had tipped off authorities about the sale of pirated digital versatile discs and compact discs from a shop in Cabuyao.
Torre said Jalal was considered a most wanted person on the national level with a P150,000 bounty pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 2009-46 of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
In a statement, The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) said the arrest marks a significant step toward achieving justice for Ramos.
"The arrest underlines our steadfast dedication to investigating acts of violence against media personnel and bringing those responsible to account," the PTFoMS added.
However, "Jalal's" relatives dispute the accusations, calling it a case of "mistaken identity."
According to them, the suspect was too young at the time of the Laguna incident and has never traveled outside Mindanao.
(With report from PNA)
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #OpinYonNews #PNP #DILG