Ortega murder probe reopening welcomed

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines welcomes the order of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to reopen the investigation into the case filed by Patria Ortega against former Palawan Gov. Joel Reyes and several others in connection with the murder of her husband and our colleague, broadcaster Gerardo “Gerry” Ortega.

We also welcome the appointment of a new panel of prosecutors to conduct the reinvestigation. This move renews our hope that justice may yet be found for Doc Gerry, as it remains painfully elusive in the deaths of so many of our colleagues. We trust that the reinvestigation will be conducted with more diligence than what we saw in the original proceedings.

We thank all those who have joined the campaign to seek justice for Doc Gerry. Your vigilance and determination have clearly played a major role in the reopening of the investigation. We urge you to maintain this vigilance until justice is finally found for Doc Gerry and for all those who have been murdered for delivering the truth.

—ROWENA PARAAN,

secretary general,

National Union of Journalists

of the Philippines,

[email protected]