Reyes brothers now under PNP custody

Former Gov. Joel Reyes, right, of western Palawan island province and his brother Mario Reyes, an ex-municipal mayor, sit during a press conference at Crime Suppression Division in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, Sept. 21, 2015. The former governor of a Philippine province and his brother who are wanted for the 2011 murder of a radio anchor and prominent environmentalist have been arrested in Thailand, officials said Monday. AP

MANILA, Philippines - Fugitive former Palawan Gov. Joel Reyes and his brother, former Coron Mayor Mario Reyes, are now under the custody of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The brothers, accused in the murder of environmentalist and radio broadcaster Gerry Ortega in 2011, have been in hiding for the past three years.

Thai immigration authorities arrested them for overstaying in Phuket.

The Reyes brothers arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 early Friday morning and were heavily escorted while in handcuffs, according to a report.

They were immediately taken to the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City shortly after their arrival.

The Puerto Princesa regional trial court will decide whether they will be detained at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group facility or the PNP Custodial Center.

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