Philippine ex-governor accused of activist’s killing in 2011 surrenders
Former governor Joel Reyes, accused of ordering the hit, has remained mostly free due to legal twists and a three-year escape to Thailand
A former Philippine provincial governor accused of masterminding the 2011 murder of an environmental activist and radio show host has surrendered after more than a year in hiding, a government official said on Thursday.
State prosecutors allege 72-year-old Reyes ordered Ortega’s shooting, which stands out for its brazenness in a country where hundreds of Filipino journalists and environmental defenders have been murdered.
After a court ordered his arrest last year, Reyes again went into hiding but resurfaced, unknown to authorities, after checking into a Manila hospital, the head of the president’s media security task force told AFP.
Reyes later had his lawyers write to the National Bureau of Investigation “that he really wants to surrender”, task force chief Paul Gutierrez said.