Brazilian authorities are analyzing human remains recovered while searching for British journalist Dom Phillips, 57, and indigenous expert Bruno Araujo Pereira, 41, missing since June 5. Evidence linking the remains to the missing pair is mounting, and experts strongly suspect foul play in the men’s disappearance.
As we previously reported, Phillips and Pereira were last seen on June 5 when they left the Vale do Javari on the Brazilian-Peruvian border. The two were due to meet an indigenous leader in the Brazilian settlement of Sao Rafael before continuing down river to the port city Atalaia do Norte, but they failed to arrive at either location.
Police launched an intensive investigation that afternoon. Federal, civil, and naval military authorities have assisted in the ongoing search.
Sources: The Guardian, Global Forest Watch
Earlier this week, police arrested fisherman Amarildo da Costa de Oliveira and took control of his boat after finding traces of blood and unauthorized weapons aboard. Eyewitnesses stated that da Costa de Oliveira and two more armed men had threatened Phillips, Pereira, and 13 Indigenous people on June 4.
Da Costa de Oliveira is currently the primary suspect in the investigation and will remain in custody.
Experts will now compare the human remains, as well as the blood found in da Costa de Oliveira’s boat, with genetic material taken from Phillips and Pereira’s possessions.
Reportedly, Pereira was accompanying Phillips as a field guide and Amazonian tribal expert. Phillips researching a forthcoming book on sustainable development.
According to The Guardian, Pereira had received death threats for his indigenous and environmental advocacy work. The region has been at the center of increased political violence over environmental and indigenous concerns since President Jair Bolsernaro took office in 2019.
