Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — A senior jail official of the Puerto Princesa City Jail told media on Friday (September 25) that the Reyes brothers, suspects in the 2011 murder of journalist Gerry Ortega, will not be getting any special treatment.
However, since the two are high-profile detainees, Sr. Insp. Don Paredes said that they will be housed in an isolated cell. The cell, measuring 5 by 3.8 meters, has a lavatory and a double-deck bed.
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Former Palawan governor Joel Reyes and his brother, former Coron Mayor Mario Reyes, were flown to Puerto Princesa, Palawan on Friday a few hours after their arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Related: Ortega murder: Authorities fly suspects Reyes brothers to Palawan
The two were turned over to the Puerto Princesa City Jail at 3:55 p.m., as per the commitment order issued by Judge Jose Usman of the Regional Trial Court Branch 52. Their mugshots were also taken.
Related: Timeline: Gerry Ortega slay case
‘Surrendered, not arrested’
Mario said during a press briefing on Friday that they fled the country not because they are guilty but because of the injustice to them and the Ortega family.
He said that this time, they want to clear their name in the Ortega slay. He also thanked their supporters, some of whom waited for their arrival at the Puerto Princesa airport clad in yellow shirts and waving yellow ribbons.
The lawyer of the Reyes brothers, Demi Custodio, also made a similar statement saying that his clients were “trying to flee from injustice” as they have been framed by people charging them.
Related: Ortega murder: Long road to justice
The brothers also claimed they were not arrested but surrendered to the authorities.
