Powerful personalities of Palawan turned fugitive, former Palawan Governor Joel Reyes and his brother, former Coron Mayor Mario Reyes, were arrested in Phuket, Thailand last Sunday night after years of hiding according to the announcement released to the media by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima.
The Reyes brothers were considered as two of the country’s top fugitives, were accused in the killing of environmentalist and radio broadcaster Gerry Ortega in 2011. According to reports, the two fugitives were arrested for violation of immigration laws.
Sec. De Lima revealed that the Thai immigration authorities have started deportation proceedings of the fugitives to Manila. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), through spokesman Charles Jose, also confirmed that the Reyes brothers are now in the custody of the Thai police.
The Department of Justice noted that the wanted Reyes brothers would be detained either at Camp Crame or in the National Bureau of Investigation until Judge Angelo Arizala of the Puerto Princesa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 52 decides where they will be detained.