Llamas family crying for justice

On Feb. 19, the Llamas family observed the 40th day of Jose Ramon "Jay" Llamas’ death with a Mass at the Ateneo Law School chapel in Rockwell, Makati. Llamas, 26, a promising law Ateneo graduate, was murdered by Basher Macaindig Abdulrahman with a licensed 9mm Taurus pistol, last Jan. 10, over a minor traffic mishap at the corner of Buendia and Taft Avenues.

The senseless crime has sparked widespread media interest in the first few weeks immediately after the murder. During the 40th day Mass, the Llamas family expressed hope that the government, the media and the public will remain vigilant to support them in their quest to give justice to Jay, by arresting Abdulrahman, who also goes by the following aliases: Basher Macaindig Sultan and Basher Makaindig Alonto.

The Llamas family learned that Abdulrahman is a big-time drug dealer who eluded arrest last year in a shabu drug bust operation in Quiapo, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. The family was also told that Abdulrahman uses the money earned from drug trafficking to fund terrorist activities in the counry.

In a meeting with Commissioner Andrea Domingo, the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation has put Abdulrahman on the hold-departure list and has posted his picture in different ports throughout the country. His face is also posted on Internet cafes strategically located near Muslim communities.

In an earlier meeting with House Speaker Jose de Venecia and Mrs. Gina de Venecia, the Llamas family was briefed on the latest development from NBI Director Reynaldo Wycoco.

The NBI informed the Llamas family that Abdulrahman has been spotted in Marawi City. There are also reports that he was sighted in Maharlika Village, Metro Manila, and most recently in Maging, Lanao del Sur. The NBI has filed murder charges against Abdulrahman on Feb. 4, at the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office. A warrant of arrest has been issued directing all law enforcement agencies to effect the immediate arrest of the suspect.

De Venecia also secured the full support of the Philippine National Police, through General Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., to expedite the capture of Abdulrahman, who is suspected of killing six other people in the past, according to police records.

In a related development, a P750,000 reward is now being offered to anyone who could help in the arrest of the suspect. P350,000 of that amount was put up by the Llamas family; P200,000 from the PNP and P200,000 from the NBI.