Palace: Reyes brothers' arrest proves gov't resolve vs fugitives

MANILA, Philippines - The arrest of former Palawan Gov. Joel Reyes and his brother affirms the determination of the government in pursuing fugitives, Malacañang said Monday.

"The president has said that government will go after the fugitives and the recent arrest of Gov Reyes and his brother prove the resolve of the government," Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a text message.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the arrest of the Reyes brothers "provides an opportunity for pursuing the ends of justice."

The Palace officials thanked the Thailand government and the Interpol for their help in the arrest of the most wanted fugitives.

Reyes and his brother, former Coron Mayor Mario Reyes, are wanted for the killing of Palawan environmentalist and journalist Gerry Ortega.

The Reyes brothers are among the "Big Five" fugitives in the country who have a P2-million bounty on their heads.

In a text message to Coloma, Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said the Interpol-Manila confirmed that the Reyes brothers were arrested by Thai police in Phuket on Sunday night.

"Immigration authorities now processing their deportation papers," De Lima said in her text message cited by Coloma.