Lawyer tagged in Ortega slay falls; ex-gov, 3 others hunted

CALAPAN CITY, Philippines – A lawyer tagged as one of the principal suspects in last year’s killing of broadcaster and environmentalist Gerardo “Gerry’’ Ortega fell into the hands of the police Tuesday night in Palawan.

Chief Inspector Reynaldo Ramos, Palawan head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), identified the suspect as Romeo Seratubias, 58, a former provincial administrator.

Seratubias was arrested by CIDG men in his home in Barangay San Jose, Puerto Princesa City at around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, police said.

Ramos said Seratubias was implicated in Ortega’s killing after investigators found out that he was the registered owner of the .45-caliber pistol used by another suspect, Rolando Edrad, in the crime.

Superintendent Nazario Fernandez, CIDG Region 4-B director, said Seratubias is now undergoing interrogation at the CIDG office in Puerto Princesa.

Judge Angelo Arizala of the Palawan Regional Trial Court Branch 52 earlier had issued an arrest warrant for Seratubias along with former Palawan governor Joel Reyes, his brother and incumbent Coron, Palawan Mayor Mario Reyes Jr., and provincial employees Arturo Regalado and Percival Lecias. No bail was recommended for their temporary freedom.

Lawyer Alex Avisado, legal counsel of the Ortega family, said the arrest warrant for the former governor was served in his house in Makati City where he currently resides.

CIDG operatives were dispatched to hunt down the Reyes brothers and the other suspects, said CIDG chief Director Samuel Pagdilao.

Ortega was shot dead by self-confessed hit man Marlon Recamata at a public market in Puerto Princesa City on Jan. 24, 2011.

Recamata admitted that he was hired to kill Ortega in exchange for P150,000. The broadcaster was allegedly silenced for opposing mining in Palawan.

– With Non Alquitran, Ed Amoroso, Rhodina Villanueva