Mitra backs alleged mastermind in Ortega murder

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY—Palawan Gov. Abraham Mitra mobilized employees of the provincial capitol to support ex-governor Joel T. Reyes, who was recommended charged by the Department of Justice (DOJ) for masterminding the murder of environmentalist and broadcaster Gerry Ortega.

Elsewhere in the province, however, calls were made for Reyes to face the charge against him.

Mitra, a close ally of Reyes, ordered a series of morning Masses at the capitol and asked employees to attend while wearing Reyes’ yellow campaign color.

At least 50 capitol employees attended Mass which Mitra briefly addressed while avoiding lengthy discussion on Reyes’ case.

“This is to express support to the former governor and his family,” Mitra said, adding he would not abandon Reyes “as a friend.”

He also described the indictment of Reyes by the Department of Justice as part of “political harassment” by his administration’s opponents. He cited the recent recall initiative filed by his opponents as part of these efforts.

A midlevel capitol official who asked not to named admitted receiving an instruction calling all employees to attend the support activities for Reyes.

“I don’t want to be drawn into this which has nothing to do with us as employees,” the official told Inquirer.

An opposition board member, Gil Acosta, urged Reyes to submit himself to trial to pave the way for the resolution of the case. “This is the only way he can prove himself if he is innocent,” Acosta said.

Reyes’ defense counsel, Demetrio Custodio, told Inquirer they would file a motion for reconsideration at the DOJ to assail its ruling, saying the panel “exceeded its authority.”

“We were surprised that the panel exceeded its authority by finding probable cause,” he said.

He added that they would ask the regional trial court that will handle the case to determine anew the existence of “probable cause” against Reyes and the other accused.