Ex-Palawan governor Joel Reyes surrenders

Former Palawan Governor Joel Reyes has surrendered to the National Bureau of Investigation, according to a 24 Oras report on Wednesday.

Reyes is wanted for his involvement in the murder of broadcaster Gerardo Ortega in 2011.

The report said Reyes underwent the required processes while confined in a hospital due to his medical condition.

Ortega was gunned down in Puerto Princesa City shortly after his morning radio broadcast. He was a staunch critic of allegedly corrupt local officials in Palawan and opposed mining projects in the province.

Reyes was identified as the mastermind in Ortega's murder.

Reyes fled the country in 2012 with his brother, incumbent Coron Mayor Mario Reyes. They were arrested in Thailand in 2015 but posted bail in 2018.

They ran for office in the 2022 election, but Reyes lost as governor.

The Supreme Court this year ordered the re-arrest of Reyes, who is also facing separate charges at the Sandiganbayan in connection with the Malampaya and fertilizer fund scams. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/LDF, GMA Integrated News