Suspect in judge killing arrested

MANILA, Philippines – Police on Sunday, March 9, arrested a man believed to be the killer of a Zamboanga regional trial court judge.

The suspect, identified as Mohamad Alkhalidz Paradji Amisali, was arrested by local police along Sunrise Drive in Zamboanga city at around 3:30 pm, Sunday. At least 3 witnesses identified Amisali as the one who shot Judge Reynario Estacio Jr of RTC Branch 14.

Late February, Estacio was shot dead by two men riding in tandem. Estacio and his wife were onboard a Honda CRV when they were shot several times with a caliber 45 pistol. The judge was brought to a nearby hospital but was later declared dead on arrival. His wife was unharmed. 

Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno issued a statement expressing her “deepest outrage” over the death of Estacio. “When lawless violence claims one of our own, it wounds us more grievously not only because we would be one good man less but also because the rule of law is diminished by the sheer force of arms,” the Chief Justice said. – Bea Cupin/Rappler.com