Reward for Palawan ex-governor's arrest mulled

MANILA, Philippines - Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said yesterday she would coordinate with Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo on a possible reward offer for the arrest of former Palawan governor Joel Reyes.

De Lima said the bounty might be put up if Reyes, who is wanted for the murder of broadcaster Gerry Ortega, would refuse to surrender until next week.

De Lima also advised Reyes to surrender and prove his innocence in court.

“You cannot prove it (innocence) outside of the court system. You have to submit yourself to the jurisdiction of the court if you think, if you believe that you are innocent,” she said.

De Lima said “all indications” show that Reyes has not left the country since he was ordered arrested by a Puerto Princesa City regional trial court last week.

“He really would not be able to leave the country unless he uses some other means like backdoor. But we’re also guarding the possible ports of exit,” she said.

De Lima also warned Reyes’ coddlers that they could face criminal charges.

Meanwhile, Sen. Francis Escudero called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday to intensify its efforts to arrest Reyes and the other suspects with pending warrants of arrests. 

“If the PNP is dead serious in curbing criminality they should first arrest persons with standing warrant of arrest,” said Escudero, chairman of the Senate committee on justice and human rights.

Aside from Reyes, Coron Mayor Mario Reyes Jr., former provincial administrator Romeo Seratubias, close-in aide Arturo Regalado and Valentin Lecias were indicted for the murder of Ortega.