MANILA – The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) expressed optimism on Thursday that the murder case of Puerto Princesa broadcaster Gerardo “Doc Gerry” Ortega, killed in 2011, may soon reach a resolution after former Palawan governor Joel Reyes surrendered to authorities. Reyes is accused of masterminding Ortega’s killing.
According to Philippines News Agency, Executive Director Undersecretary Paul Gutierrez highlighted that Reyes’ surrender is a significant development, as he is among the high-profile suspects wanted for the murder of media members. Reyes, who had fled the country in 2012, turned himself in on Tuesday while receiving medical treatment at a Metro Manila hospital. He is currently under the guard of National Bureau of Investigation agents as the court proceedings continue.
Reyes, along with his brother, Coron Mayor Mario Reyes Jr., had been arrested in Thailand in 2015 for overstaying after they fled the country to evade arrest warrants. Reyes had also been convicted of corruption by the Sandiganbayan in 2017, but he appealed both his murder and corruption convictions. The murder case, which had initially been dismissed by the Court of Appeals (CA) in 2018, was reinstated by the Supreme Court in 2023, leading to a renewed trial.
The case will now be heard by Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 76, after a venue transfer request was granted by the Supreme Court. The Ortega family and human rights advocates are hopeful that justice will soon be served.