De Lima: Reyes brothers to be deported either Wednesday or Thursday

MANILA, Philippines – Justice Secretary Leila De Lima on Tuesday said that nabbed former Palawan Gov. Joel Reyes and his brother, former Coron, Palawan Mayor Mario Reyes may arrive in the country either on Wednesday or Thursday.

De Lima said they are currently expediting the deportation of Reyes brothers from Thailand where they were arrested on Sunday.

The justice secretary said the Philippine National Police will fetch the Reyes brothers in Thailand, with the help of the International Criminal Police Organization.

Once the Reyes brothers arrive in the country, they will be temporarily detained at the National Bureau of Investigation Detention Facility while still waiting for the commitment order from the Puerto Princesa City Regional Trial Court which issued the arrest warrant against them.

Last Sunday, the Reyes brothers were nabbed in Phuket, Thailand for alleged “overstaying.”

Prior to their arrest, they were also suspects in the slaying of environmentalist and broadcaster Gerry Ortega on Jan. 24, 2011 which made them part of the so-called “Big Five Fugitives” in the country. They had a P2-million bounty for each of them.