Philippine Reyes brothers arrested in Thailand over Ortega murder

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Two Philippine politicians have been arrested in Thailand over the murder of a prominent anti-corruption activist.

Joel Reyes, the former governor of Palawan island, and his brother Mario, a former town mayor, were detained on the Thai island of Phuket on Sunday.

The brothers are accused of killing Gerry Ortega in 2011.

Mr Ortega, also an environmental activist, had used a radio show he hosted to frequently accuse the Reyes brothers of corruption.

He was shot by a self-confessed hit-man who implicated the brothers.

The brothers, who are yet to be charged, have denied the murder accusation, saying their political opponents were behind the charges.

The brothers went missing in 2012 after an arrest warrant was issued for them.

"The arrest of the long-wanted Reyes brothers provides an opportunity for pursuing the ends of justice," said Philippines presidential spokesman Herminio Coloma.

Patty Ortega, widow of the murdered activist, told AFP she was relieved but also said she was worried that the Reyes brothers could still evade justice.

"I want to see them handcuffed and facing a court and in jail," she said