The disappearance of the two men, who had years of experience working in the complex and inhospitable Amazon jungle, sparked global concern from human rights groups, environmentalists, politicians and press freedom advocates.
Pereira, an expert with Brazil’s government agency for indigenous affairs (Funai), had already been threatened by illegal loggers and miners. He is currently taking a temporary license from his position to devote himself to “personal affairs,” according to the agency.
In an emotional television interview, Phillips’ wife, Alessandra Sampaio, urged authorities to step up their search efforts, “because we still have a little hope of finding them.”
“Even if they don’t find the love of my life alive, they must be found, please,” he added.
Pereira’s family issued a statement calling for a robust search operation, adding that “we also have high hopes that there has been an accident with the ship and that they are waiting for help.”
messages of support
Following their disappearance, Phillips and Pereira drew numerous messages of support from news organizations, environmental groups and celebrities, including Brazilian soccer legend Pelé.
“The fight for the preservation of the Amazon and the protection of indigenous groups belongs to all of us,” wrote the former soccer player on Instagram, along with a video published the day before in which Phillips’ wife, drowned in tears, asks for help from the Brazilian authorities to find him.