DoJ issues ‘lookout’ order vs ex-Palawan governor Reyes, 4 others

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Justice (DoJ) has alerted the Bureau of Immigration to be on the lookout for former Palawan governor Joel Reyes and four others who are facing murder raps for the death of journalist and environmentalist Gerry Ortega.

In a memorandum, Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said she had instructed “all immigration officers to be on the lookout” for Reyes and his co-accused “should any of them pass through the immigration counters in any of our international airports and/or seaports.”

Also included in the lookout order are incumbent Coron, Palawan, Mayor Mario Reyes Jr., former Palawan Provincial Administrator Romeo Seratubias and provincial government employees Arturo Regalado and Percival Lecias.

De Lima said she could not issue a watchlist order due to the existing temporary restraining order by the Supreme Court.

The DoJ has already amended the information it has filed in the Palawan Regional Trial Court to include Reyes and the four other accused.