Bangkok, Thailand (Reuters) — Two Filipino politicians wanted for murder in the Philippines have been arrested in southern Thailand, Thai police said on Monday (September 21).
Former Palawan Gov. Joel Reyes, 63, and former Coron Mayor Mario Reyes, 54, were arrested over the weekend in Phuket province in southern Thailand.
Local channel TPBS released footage of the pair being escorted by police and attending a news conference on Monday, but did not reveal their faces.
The two brothers have been wanted by Interpol since 2011 for the murder of environmentalist and radio commentator Gerardo “Gerry” Ortega.
Ortega, also known as “Doc Gerry,” was running a campaign against mining in Palawan province, an industry the two brothers were allegedly involved in, before his murder, local media report.
Thai police said Joel was charged with illegal entry into Thailand, and Mario was charged with overstaying his visa. Both suspects entered Thailand in 2012, they added.
They also said the two suspects were in the top three most wanted in the Philippines.
Thai police will deport the two suspects back to Philippines. No dates have yet been released.
