Suspect in 2004 killing of GMA provincial news anchor falls

After three years, the suspected mastermind in the killing of a television news anchor in Iloilo was arrested in northern Metro Manila, radio dzBB reported early Wednesday. The report said police arrested one Rico Agillo Jr one of four suspects in the killing of Iloilo-based broadcast journalist Christopher Misajon in Mandurriao district in Iloilo City in September 2004. It said police from Western Visayas arrested the suspect at 9 p.m. of Sept. 23 at the Bagbaguin district in Valenzuela City, using an arrest warrant for robbery with homicide. The suspect, who did not resist arrest, is one of the most wanted persons in Iloilo City. He carries a P140,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. Earlier arrested were Richard Barrios, Rodney Gonzales and Michael Combinsi. Misajon was a the anchorman of the Ratsada news program of GMA television Channel 6 in Iloilo City. He died from a bullet wound in the stomach when one of the suspects shot him. The suspects were linked to a series of robberies of mobile phones in Iloilo City. Investigation showed Misajon was driving with a companion along a dimly lit street when four robbers flagged them down. Misajon was 28 when he died. While his companion ran for help, the suspects shot Misajon and took his cellular phone. Meanwhile, incoming Deputy Director General Avelino Razon Jr, incoming National Police chief, appealed anew to media and activist groups to help the PNP solve extrajudicial killings. Razon, who formerly headed Task Force Usig, the body tasked to solve extrajudicial killings, said he will prioritize solving the spate of killings once he takes over the top PNP post in October when outgoing PNP chief Director General Oscar Calderon retires. - GMANews.TV