The Unsolved Murder of Gerry Ortega: A Tale of Injustice and Impunity
When Philippine environmental activist and radio host Gerry Ortega was shot dead on the tropical island of Palawan, his family and friends believed there was enough damning evidence to convict the alleged mastermind.
A Culture of Impunity
More than 13 years later, the man accused of ordering the hit, former provincial governor Joel Reyes, is in hiding, while his brother, also implicated, is a mayor. In a country where hundreds of journalists and environmental defenders have been killed in the past two decades, Ortega’s murder on January 24, 2011, stands out for its brazenness. The father of five was shot in the back of the head at a second-hand clothes shop along a busy road in the Palawan capital of Puerto Princesa.Ortega had just finished his morning radio show, where he frequently railed against politicians, including Reyes, whom he accused of corruption and allowing Palawan’s forests and minerals to be plundered. “He made a lot of enemies, but he made the biggest enemy in Joel Reyes, and that’s why he was killed,” Redempto Anda, a journalist in Palawan and friend of Ortega’s, told Agence France-Presse.Reyes has always denied involvement in the murder. Ortega’s killer was caught, and the gun he used was traced to a close aide of the former governor. A bodyguard who hired the hit squad turned state witness and implicated Reyes. But Reyes remains free after many legal twists and turns in the case, leaving Ortega’s family, friends, and rights groups to lament over the prevailing “culture of impunity” in the Philippines. “We just really want to have a fair and honest trial,” daughter Michaella, 35, told AFP. “It’s been 13 years. Evidence is there.”
Legal Battles and Delay Tactics
Prosecutors initially cleared the Reyes brothers of involvement in Ortega’s death but reversed their decision in March 2012 and charged them. The brothers fled to Thailand, where they were caught three years later and deported to the Philippines. Reyes was freed in 2018 after a court voided the case against him, but the charges were reinstated nearly two years later.The Supreme Court issued a stay on the order for Reyes’ re-arrest while it heard his plea for reconsideration, but last year rejected his appeal, ordering him to be arrested and resume trial. Lawyers for Reyes, who went into hiding, are now seeking to have the case moved from Palawan to Manila, which the Ortega family insists is another delay tactic. Reyes claimed he was framed for Ortega’s murder and that he could not receive a “fair trial” in Palawan, Rolando Bonoan, a friend of Reyes, told AFP.Despite the murder charge, Reyes ran for Palawan governor in the 2022 elections but lost. Mario, a former mayor of Coron municipality, succeeded in his re-election bid. Press advocacy groups, including the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders (RSF), recently met with Philippine authorities to provide information about Reyes’ location. “The information we have provided to the Department of Justice and the National Police provides all the keys to finding and arresting Joel T. Reyes,” said Cedric Alviani of RSF. Neither the Justice Department nor the police responded to AFP’s requests for comment.
The Lingering Pain of Injustice
At their home in Puerto Princesa, Ortega’s widow Patty and two of their children thumb through photo albums filled with memories. Michaella said the family still struggles with the loss of her father. “Death in the family is already really, really tragic, but murder means someone chose for him to die,” she said. “Someone planned it; someone paid someone to make that happen.”Ortega was a passionate defender of Palawan’s environment, home to beautiful beaches, stunning coral reefs, and biodiverse forests. Patty said she felt angry at the lack of justice and the prevailing culture of impunity that allowed her husband’s alleged killers to evade accountability for over a decade. The case of Gerry Ortega serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by journalists and environmental activists in the Philippines, where speaking truth to power can come at a grave cost.As the legal battles continue and the alleged mastermind remains at large, the Ortega family, along with press advocacy groups, continue to seek justice for Gerry Ortega and to hold those responsible for his murder accountable. The international community’s attention to this case serves as a beacon of hope for combating impunity and upholding the rights of journalists and environmental defenders worldwide.
The Lasting Impact of Gerry Ortega’s Advocacy
At their home in Puerto Princesa, Ortega’s widow Patty and two of their children thumb through photo albums filled with memories. Michaella said the family still struggles with the loss of her father. “Death in the family is already really, really tragic, but murder means someone chose for him to die,” she said. “Someone planned it; someone paid someone to make that happen.”Ortega was a passionate defender of Palawan’s environment, home to beautiful beaches, stunning coral reefs, and biodiverse forests. Patty said she felt angry at the lack of justice in her husband’s case, but she found solace in continuing his environmental advocacy. “Gerry lived for Palawan,” she said. “He wanted to protect its natural resources and fight against the greed and corruption that threatened it.”Since Ortega’s death, his family and friends have worked tirelessly to keep his legacy alive. They have organized annual commemorations, established a foundation in his name, and continued to raise awareness about the threats facing Palawan’s environment. “Gerry’s voice may be silenced, but his message lives on,” said Anda, the Palawan journalist. “He inspired so many people to stand up and fight for what is right.”
The Challenges of Environmental Activism in the Philippines
Ortega’s murder is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by environmental defenders in the Philippines. According to Global Witness, the Philippines is one of the deadliest countries in the world for land and environmental activists, with at least 221 such killings recorded between 2002 and 2020.The country’s complex political landscape, characterized by powerful business interests, corruption, and a weak rule of law, often puts environmental activists at odds with those in power. “It’s a constant battle,” said Anda. “You’re up against wealthy and influential people who have a vested interest in exploiting the natural resources. And if you dare to stand in their way, you risk your life.”The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the challenges faced by environmental defenders in the Philippines. With lockdowns and restrictions on movement, many activists have been unable to monitor and report on ongoing environmental threats, such as illegal logging, mining, and land grabbing. “The pandemic has made it even harder for us to do our work,” said Patty Ortega. “But we can’t give up. Gerry’s fight is our fight.”
International Support and Advocacy
The global community has taken notice of the plight of environmental defenders in the Philippines. International organizations, such as Amnesty International and the United Nations, have condemned the country’s high rate of killings and called for greater protection for activists.In 2019, the European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the “persistent attacks and killings” of human rights defenders and environmental activists in the Philippines. The resolution called on the Philippine government to take immediate action to stop the violence and bring the perpetrators to justice.The Gerry Ortega case has also received international attention, with press advocacy groups like the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) actively engaged in seeking justice for the slain broadcaster. RSF recently met with Philippine authorities to provide information about Reyes’ whereabouts, hoping to secure his arrest and trial.”The international community has a vital role to play in shining a spotlight on these issues and putting pressure on the Philippine government to address the culture of impunity,” said Cedric Alviani of RSF. “Gerry Ortega’s case is a tragic example of the risks faced by those who dare to speak out, and we will continue to fight for justice on his behalf.”
Legal Reforms and Grassroots Activism
Alongside international advocacy, there are ongoing efforts within the Philippines to strengthen the legal framework and support for environmental defenders. In 2018, the Philippine Congress passed the Human Rights Defenders Protection Act, which aims to provide legal protections and support for human rights advocates, including environmental activists.However, the implementation of this law has been slow, and many activists argue that more needs to be done to ensure its effectiveness. “The law is a step in the right direction, but it’s not enough,” said Patty Ortega. “We need to see real, tangible action from the government to protect those who are risking their lives to protect the environment.”At the grassroots level, environmental groups and local communities have been increasingly organizing to defend their natural resources and support the work of activists like Gerry Ortega. In Palawan, for example, the Save Palawan Movement has been actively campaigning against mining, logging, and other extractive activities that threaten the island’s biodiversity.”The fight to protect Palawan’s environment is a fight for the future of our communities,” said Anda. “We may not have the resources or power of the big corporations, but we have something more powerful: our unity, our determination, and our commitment to our home.”
Lessons from Gerry Ortega’s Legacy
The story of Gerry Ortega’s life and death serves as a powerful testament to the crucial role that environmental defenders play in safeguarding the planet’s natural resources and the urgent need to address the threats they face. His case highlights the complex web of political, economic, and social factors that often underpin environmental conflicts, and the importance of fostering a culture of accountability and justice.Ortega’s legacy also underscores the resilience and determination of grassroots environmental movements, which continue to fight for the protection of their communities and their natural heritage, even in the face of overwhelming odds. By keeping his memory alive and continuing his work, Ortega’s family, friends, and fellow activists have ensured that his voice and his message will continue to inspire and guide the struggle for environmental justice in the Philippines and beyond.As the world grapples with the mounting challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion, the stories of environmental defenders like Gerry Ortega serve as a poignant reminder of the vital importance of their work and the need to offer them greater support and protection. By learning from these stories and amplifying the voices of those on the frontlines of environmental activism, we can work towards a more just, sustainable, and equitable future for all.
Source: The Manila Times