CIDG nabs suspect in Laguna broadcaster’s murder in Lanao del Norte

Authorities on Sunday said it arrested a fugitive in Lanao del Norte who is accused of killing a broadcaster from Laguna 20 years ago.

In a statement, a tracker team of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, working with the Philippine Army and local police, nabbed the suspect identified as a certain “Jalal” in a manhunt operation last April 4, 2025  in Barangay Poblacion, Sapad, Lanao del Norte.

Jalal was apprehended by virtue of an arrest warrant for murder issued by a Biñan City, Laguna court in 2006. 

The suspect was listed as a “National Level - Most Wanted Person” with a reward of P150,000 for his capture. 

He is wanted for the alleged murder of journalist Robert Ramos, a broadcaster for the Katapat community paper in Laguna. Ramos was shot multiple times on the head in Cabuyao, Laguna in November 2005.  

For almost two decades, police said the fugitive went into hiding and transferred 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. With this arrest, we have helped the victim and victim’s family attain the justice they deserve,” said CIDG head,  P/Major Gen. Nicolas Torre III.

In a press statement Monday, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security commended the joint efforts of the PNP-CIDG- Lanao del Norte Provincial Field Unit, the Provincial Intelligence Team of Lanao del Norte, Regional Intelligence Unit 10, the 51st Mechanized Infantry Company of the Philippine Army's 5th Infantry Battalion, and local police units, for their diligent work in apprehending the suspect.

"This arrest marks a significant step forward in upholding justice for the late Robert Ramos and his family, providing them the resolution they have sought for nearly two decades," PTFOMS executive director Jose Torres Jr. said.

He added the arrest underlined their steadfast dedication to investigating acts of violence against media personnel and bringing those responsible to account. He further said they remain resolute in their mission to ensure that members of the media can fulfill their roles without fear.

Torres added the collaborative efforts of the law enforcement agencies are vital in the fight against impunity and essential for fostering a secure working environment for journalists across the country.—RF/AOL, GMA Integrated News