The personal aide of former Palawan Governor Joel Reyes was found guilty in connection with the murder of broadcaster and environmentalist Dr. Gerry Ortega in 2011.

Judge Angelo Arizala of Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 52 in Puerto Princesa found Arturo "Nonoy" Regalado guilty of murder.

He is believed to be the person who gave money to Percival Lecias and ordered him to buy the gun used in killing Ortega. He is also the person in direct contact with Rodolfo Edrad Jr. alias Bomar, who allegedly formed the "hit team" which killed Ortega.

Regalado was sentenced to life imprisonment. He was also ordered to pay P8,278,008.69 in damages.

Ortega's wife, Patty, is thankful for the Court's decision.

"Hindi ko rin alam ang lalabas na decision, siya ang kanang-kamay ni Joel Reyes... Nagpapasalamat ako kasi patas ang naging desisyon ng Korte," she said.

She also lamented that Regalado refused to testify for them.

"Sayang na nasa Witness Protection Program sana siya nung kakamatay pa lang ni Gerry ngunit nung nakausap siya ng mga lawyers ng kabila, bumaliktad siya," Patty said.

Regalado's lawyer refused to comment on the court's decision.

The court also ordered Regalado's transfer from the provincial jail to Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm to serve his sentence.

Ortega was killed in Barangay San Pedro in Puerto Princesa last January 24, 2011.

After five years, the gunman, Marlon Recamata, has also been sentenced. Three others involved in the crime, including Atty. Romeo Serratubias, Dennis Aranas and Percival Lecias, have died.

The alleged masterminds behind the murder, former Coron Mayor Mario Reyes and his brother Joel, are currently detained at the city jail after they were arrested in Thailand last year. - report from Diana Lat, ABS-CBN News Palawan