Bounty for Reyes brothers now P1.55M

MANILA, Philippines—The reward money for any information that could lead to the arrest of former Palawan Governor Joel Reyes and his brother, Coron Mayor Mario Reyes, is already P1.55 million.

In a statement by the family of slain broadcaster and environmentalist Gerry Ortega, they expressed their gratitude to those who helped put up the reward money after the Palawan court issued the warrant for the Reyes brothers’ arrest.

“The confluence of our efforts has made a significant headway in the past weeks following the issuance of the warrant of arrest,” the statement said.

Donations started coming during the 50th birthday celebration of Ortega’s widow, Dr. Patria Ortega. Running Priest Fr. Robert Reyes also helped raise funds for the bounty by sending out solicitation letters.

“Lately, with the help of many concerned groups and individuals, we have been able to raise an additional P350,000,” the statement added. “This makes the current total bounty for the Reyes brothers at P1.55 million pesos.”

The latest donors who kicked in P250,000 are two businessmen who requested anonymity.

“We hope that the current amount of the reward money would, in turn, enable and encourage potential informants, those who are privy to the current whereabouts of the Reyes brothers, to come forward and aid our authorities in zeroing in on the fugitives,” the statement read.

Ortega, who openly criticized Reyes in his radio program,  was gunned down at a used clothing store in Puerto Princesa City in January 2011.

The Reyes brothers were charged before the Palawan Regional Trial Court (RTC) along with Arturo Regalado, Valentin Lecias, Rodolfo Edrad, Jr., Armando Noel, Jr., Dennis Aranas, Arwin Arandia, and former Palawan provincial administrator Romeo Serratubias.