Remembering Gerry Ortega: 15 years on, the fight for justice continues
Last 23 January 2026, marked 15 years since the murder of Gerry Ortega, a courageous broadcast journalist and environmental defender who was killed for speaking truth to power. Ortega’s legacy lives on through his commitment to exposing corruption and defending the public interest.
To mark the anniversary, press freedom organisations Free Press Unlimited (FPU), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) reaffirm their solidarity with the Ortega family and their call for justice. Earlier this month, the organisations met in Manila with the head of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security and with embassies from the Media Freedom Coalition to press for accountability ahead of the anniversary.
Fifteen years after Ortega’s killing, the alleged mastermind, former Palawan governor Joel T. Reyes, is now on trial. While this represents an important step forward, impunity persists until a conviction is secured. The prolonged delay in accountability continues to undermine the rule of law and sends a chilling message to journalists and others who hold power to account.
Recent developments offer renewed hope that justice may finally be within reach. These must now be followed by concrete action and a swift, fair, and impartial conclusion to the long-delayed proceedings.
On this anniversary, we honour Gerry Ortega’s life and work by renewing our call for justice. Not only for Ortega, but for all journalists who continue to risk their lives in pursuit of the truth.
Read the full joint statement below.
