Lanao del Norte: The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) on Monday commended law enforcement teams in Lanao del Norte for capturing a suspect who had eluded authorities for 20 years in connection to the murder of radio broadcaster Robert Ramos.

According to Philippines News Agency, PTFoMS identified the suspect by the alias “Jalal,” and highlighted his arrest as a crucial advancement in the pursuit of justice for Ramos, a broadcaster from Cabuyao in Laguna province. The task force emphasized their commitment to investigating violence against media workers and holding perpetrators accountable.

Jalal was captured on April 4 at his home in Poblacion, Sapad, Lanao del Norte, during a coordinated operation involving the Provincial Intelligence Team of Lanao del Norte, Regional Intelligence Unit 10, the 51st Mechanized Infantry Company of the 5th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, and local police forces.

An arrest warrant for Jalal was issued in 2006 by the Regional Trial Court in Bi±an City, Laguna province. Since then, he had been listed as one of the most wanted individuals, with a PHP150,000 reward for his apprehension.

Despite the arrest, some of the suspect’s relatives and neighbors argue that it is a case of mistaken identity, claiming Jalal was too young during the Laguna incident and has never left Mindanao.

Ramos, a reporter for the weekly publication Katapat, was fatally shot twice in the head while waiting for a ride home outside a market in Cabuyao. Police reported that suspects believed Ramos had informed authorities about the illegal sale of pirated digital discs at a local shop.