Arrest Warrants Issued: Broadcaster's Murder

Media Release: Philippines
March 29, 2012

Arrest Warrants Issued in Connection with Broadcaster's Murder

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) in welcoming progress in the case of the 2011 murder of broadcaster and environmentalist Dr. Gerardo "Gerry" Ortega, in the Philippines.

Gerardo Ortega, a radio broadcaster also known as an anti-mining advocate, was shot and killed in Puerto Princesa City, in Palawan province, (approximately 592 kilometers southwest of Manila) on January 24, 2011.

The issuance of the warrants by the Regional Trial Court of the City of Puerto Princesa, against former Palawan Governor Joel Reyes, his brother Mario Reyes Jr., incumbent Mayor of Coron town, and former Palawan provincial administrator Romeo Seratubias was a reversal of a 2011 decision, which was widely condemned by journalists at the time.

The IFJ Asia Pacific welcomes the move, but again calls for the Philippine authorities to ensure transparency in all investigations into journalist killings, as a wider move to end the culture of impunity.

The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 131 countries

Find the IFJ on Twitter: @ifjasiapacific

Find the IFJ on Facebook: www.facebook.com/IFJAsiaPacific

ENDS

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