Philippine ex-governor accused of activist’s killing in 2011 surrenders

A former Philippine provincial governor accused of masterminding the 2011 murder of an environmental activist and radio show host has surrendered after more than a year in hiding, a government official said on Thursday.

State prosecutors allege 72-year-old Reyes ordered Ortega’s shooting, which stands out for its brazenness in a country where hundreds of Filipino journalists and environmental defenders have been murdered.

After a court ordered his arrest last year, Reyes again went into hiding but resurfaced, unknown to authorities, after checking into a Manila hospital, the head of the president’s media security task force told AFP.