The family of slain Palawan broadcaster and environmentalist Dr. Gerry Ortega renewed their call for justice on Tuesday, 14 years after his killing, as they met with press freedom groups in Manila.
In a statement, his widow, Patria Ortega, expressed frustration over the continued delays in the trial of former Palawan governor Joel Reyes, the alleged mastermind in Ortega’s murder.
She said Reyes has “evaded arrest twice” and that the case has suffered from “slow-moving” court proceedings.
“Justice delayed is justice denied. But justice has been delayed again and again. Yet after all these years, we believe the case remains strong. And our resolve remains steadfast,” Patria Ortega said.
She delivered the statement following a meeting with the Media Freedom Coalition’s (MFC) local Embassy Network, alongside representatives from press freedom watchdogs Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) Asia, Reporters Without Borders – RSF Asia-Pacific Bureau, and Free Press Unlimited.
The Ortega family also thanked the groups for their continued support and efforts to raise international awareness about the case.
“The three press freedom groups — as members of the MFC’s Consultative Network — have been consistent in seeking courtesy calls with the Philippine government, amplifying our story internationally, and monitored the ongoing court hearing,” she said.
Gerry Ortega, an environmentalist and vocal critic of corruption in Palawan, was shot dead in Puerto Princesa on January 24, 2011. He was known for using his radio program to denounce alleged misuse of public funds and environmental degradation in the province.
“My husband, Doc Gerry Ortega, was murdered for speaking truth to power. He exposed corruption in government under Joel Reyes. He defended Palawan’s natural resources from exploitation. He was, by any measure, a hero,” the Ortega widow said.
The family also urged the Philippine judiciary to act “with the urgency this case demands and the integrity we the people deserve.”
“The presence of the MFC is a powerful reminder that solidarity knows no borders especially in the defense of press freedom, justice, and democracy. Now, we the people must show up for our fallen heroes,” she stressed.
