home.

In August, the 37-year-old was shot four times while outside his home in Ifugao province, a mountainous region in northern Philippines.

Lee said he had received death threats prior to the shooting because of his work as an advocate for indigenous people and environmental protections.

"The fact that he went to this totally different country, different community to do the work that he was doing, he's a really special person," said friend Carlo Montemayor,


Lee's mother, Louise Lee, was by his side as he was flown back to San Francisco.

She was also by his side when he was hospitalized in the Philippines when there were threats to his safety.

"It's a powerful story. It's also sadly something that has happened to a lot of people who live in the Philippines who havebeen targeted for assassination," said San Francisco Supervisor Matt Haney who had visited Lee in a hospital in the Philippines and helped the family in their efforts to keep him safe and airlifted to San Francisco. .

The medical airlift cost $164,000. Family members said they paid for it with a loan and a donation from from an environmental group in Europe. .

"It's a big relief. We're very grateful that he's here. It's almost unbelievable that he's here. We're exhausted but excited," said Raquel Redondiez, a friend who's worked closely with Brandon's family.



Lee is still recovering from his injuries. An ambulance transported him to the hospital, where his loved ones followed.

"We really miss him. We're so happy he's still with us," said Melissa Reyes, a friend.

Family and friends told