Outcry over murder suspect's escape
Claims that former governor was tipped off and given help to abscond
- ucanews.com reporter, Manila
- Philippines
- August 9, 2012
Media and rights groups rounded on the government yesterday after a detailed report emerged on the escape of a high-profile murder suspect.
The Cebu Daily News, citing highly placed government sources, reported on Tuesday that former Palawan governor Joel Reyes fled the country on March 18, boarding a flight to Vietnam.
Reyes is wanted for the murder of environmentalist and broadcaster Gerardo "Gerry" Ortega in the Palawan capital, Puerto Princesa. Ortega was a staunch critic of mining activities in Palawan.
The Department of Justice ordered the filing of murder charges against Reyes and four others, days before he fled.
Later in March, Reyes emailed a spoken message to a radio station, which it subsequently aired, in which he refused to give himself up and said he was hiding "in the hearts of the people of Palawan." It now appears that this was a deliberate attempt to lay a false trail.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines have both expressed outrage.
"If the reports are correct, Reyes left the country a week before the Palawan regional trial court issued a warrant for his arrest, raising concerns that Reyes was informed of the government’s intentions and was assisted in acquiring a false passport," said a statement from the IFJ.
"The IFJ implores President Benigno Aquino to immediately order a thorough and independent investigation and break the cycle of violence and impunity that has plagued the country for so long," it continued.
The government has received a barrage of criticism recently over high-profile suspects managing to elude justice.
Authorities are still hunting for Jovito Palparan, a retired general who is wanted for the 2006 kidnapping of two student activists who are still missing.
Related Reports
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The Cebu Daily News, citing highly placed government sources, reported on Tuesday that former Palawan governor Joel Reyes fled the country on March 18, boarding a flight to Vietnam.
Reyes is wanted for the murder of environmentalist and broadcaster Gerardo "Gerry" Ortega in the Palawan capital, Puerto Princesa. Ortega was a staunch critic of mining activities in Palawan.
The Department of Justice ordered the filing of murder charges against Reyes and four others, days before he fled.
Later in March, Reyes emailed a spoken message to a radio station, which it subsequently aired, in which he refused to give himself up and said he was hiding "in the hearts of the people of Palawan." It now appears that this was a deliberate attempt to lay a false trail.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines have both expressed outrage.
"If the reports are correct, Reyes left the country a week before the Palawan regional trial court issued a warrant for his arrest, raising concerns that Reyes was informed of the government’s intentions and was assisted in acquiring a false passport," said a statement from the IFJ.
"The IFJ implores President Benigno Aquino to immediately order a thorough and independent investigation and break the cycle of violence and impunity that has plagued the country for so long," it continued.
The government has received a barrage of criticism recently over high-profile suspects managing to elude justice.
Authorities are still hunting for Jovito Palparan, a retired general who is wanted for the 2006 kidnapping of two student activists who are still missing.
Related Reports
Aquino admits snag in anti-crime drive
Manhunt on for 'The Butcher'
