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The murder of Gerry Ortega, a Palawan-based journalist and environmental activist, took place on January 24, 2011. Ortega was known for his vocal opposition to local corruption, particularly surrounding former Palawan Governor Joel T. Reyes and his mining projects. He was shot and killed while shopping in Puerto Princesa, which shocked the nation and underscored the risks faced by journalists in the Philippines.
Gerry Ortega’s last word/work: “I am like a lone flame of a candle in a big dark room. I can light a small corner, and that corner is worth fighting for.”
Journalist Information:
Name: Gerry Ortega
Age: 47
Gender: Male
DOB: 28/08/1963
Nationality: Filipino
Last company worked for: Palawan Station
Family: Gerry left behind his wife and five children.
Incident Information:
Date of incident – 24 January 2011
Location of incident – Puerto Princessa, Philippines
Offense victim of: Assassination
Weapons included – Firearm
Gerry Ortega was shot dead on 24 January 2011 as he browsed in a thrift shop.
Suspect(s) Information:
Perpetrator Identified: Yes
Name: Joel T. Reyes
Proof of Targeting the Journalist: Reyes’ surrender came after a successful legal bid to have his trial transferred to a court in Quezon City, near the capital, Manila. The Ortega family had wanted the trial to stay in Palawan, but a Philippine court rejected the family’s legal plea. Now the trial will finally take place in November 2024.
Reason for Killing: During the trials, the two men implicated Reyes and his brother Mario, alleging they orchestrated Ortega’s killing for his critical reporting. In 2012, Reyes and his brother fled the country after the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) second panel indicated Reyes as the principal and mastermind suspect.
Progress of the Case: After a 13-year battle, former Palawan governor Joel Reyes is again in custody for the alleged 2011 murder of broadcast journalist Dr Gerry Ortega. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate, the National Unions of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), in calling for a swift and impartial trial to deliver long-awaited justice for Ortega’s family and uphold the rule of law in the Philippines.
Success factor in Gerry’s Case: The success factor in Gerry Ortega’s case was the persistent legal efforts by his family and civil society, which led to the conviction of the gunman and key accomplices, despite powerful political interests. Years of advocacy, media attention, and pressure from environmental and press freedom groups helped push the investigation forward and bring partial justice in a country where impunity is widespread.