Ex-Palawan gov: It's a Hagedorn demolition job

Former Palawan Governor Joel Reyes on Thursday accused Edward Hagedorn, the mayor of the province’s capital city Puerto Princesa, of being behind the plot to pin him down for the killing of broadcaster Gerardo Ortega. "I firmly and categorically deny any involvement in this crime... It is clear from the way events are unfolding, that this is a well-funded and well-orchestrated operation," Reyes said during a press conference on Thursday. Reyes issued the statement after suspect Rodolfo Edrad alias "Junjun Bomar" said the former governor gave him orders to implement the killing of Ortega last January 24 in Puerto Princesa. Reyes, however, said it was typical that his political enemies would immediately point to him because Ortega was one of his greatest critics. "Magkano kaya ang dahilan para ituro ako? [I wonder how much it cost to pin me down as the mastermind]," he said. He likewise wondered why Edrad would choose to surrender to Hagedorn, whom he beat in the 2001 Palawan gubernatorial race. "In 23 years of public service, I have never been linked to any form of violence or intimidation. Ironically, it is the very same individual who has turned this issue into political payback that has gained such a reputation in our province," he said. "His [Hagedorn's] motives [are] very plain and simple and clear. Very clear naman na napakaaga naman ng demolition job na ito. [It is very clear that this is a demolition job coming in too early]," he added. But the former Palawan governor noted that he did not even have any plans to run for the post in 2013. Recent events, however, have supposedly made him rethink this decision. "Bakit ba galit na galit sila sa akin... dahil siguro ako lang ang tumalo kay Hagedorn noong 2001 [Why are they so angry at me? Is it just because I beat Hagedorn in 2001]?" he asked. In the meantime, Reyes asked Hagedorn to lay off him and his family. "Pareng Ed, huwag naman, nasasaktan din po ako [Ed, buddy, please don't do this. I am also hurt by all these]," he said. He likewise extended his sympathies to Ortega's family, saying that he had treated the broadcaster as a friend and would not even think of doing anything to him. Reyes said that they are in the process of conducting their own investigation, which he said will reveal who is the real mastermind behind Ortega's murder. "We will prove my innocence, we will find the perpetrator for this serious crime," he said. Hagedorn: 'NBI has solid evidence' In a press conference, Hagedorn denied orchestrating a demolition job against Reyes, saying he never intervened in the investigation of the case. According to a radio dzBB report, Hagedorn said his only participation in the case, contrary to Reyes's claims, was when he referred Edrad to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), after the suspect chose to surrender to him. He added, however, that the solid evidence in the hands of the NBI and the police are stronger than Reyes's denial of any involvement in the crime. The Puerto Princesa mayor also said it escapes him why Reyes seemed bent on linking Ortega's death to politics, when the former governor is no longer holding any elective position. Hagedorn thus asked Reyes to face him so they could personally discuss the matter, instead of talking about his gripes to the media.—Kimberly Jane Tan with Jerrie M. Abella/JV, GMA News