PHILIPPINES: On Gerry Ortega: "Too painfully young for a man to go"
Fr. Reyes, talks about Ortega's advocacy,
particularly against the negative impact of mining operations in Palawan
Peninsula, which he firmly believes to be the motive behind his murder.
Ortega was also known for his criticism of the corrupt practices of the
local government officials in his area.
Prior to Ortega's
murder, he had been receiving death threats on his mobile phone. His
family also shared with Fr. Reyes a few days before his death how they
were increasingly worried for his security.
Fr. Reyes, who is now
based in Palawan, worked with Ortega together in several environmental
groups campaigning against the impact of mining operation and the
corrupt practices of local government officials in his locality.
Read the AHRC's statement for more details:
PHILIPPINES: Murder of Gerry Ortega, an anti-mining activist, cannot be passed off as a robbery
http://www.humanrights.asia/news/ahrc-news/AHRC-STM-012-2011
