NBI chief given walking papers

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Justice said Friday Malacañang has served a notice of termination on National Bureau of Investigation director Magtanggol Gatdula whom President Benigno Aquino ordered sacked for alleged participation in the kidnapping of a Japanese woman last October.

“This is to inform you that your appointment as Director of NBI is hereby terminated effective this date,” read the notice signed by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. copies of which were distributed to the media by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima.

In a press conference, De Lima cited Aquino’s loss of trust and confidence in Gatdula as the reason behind the termination. She explained that as a non-career executive service officer, Gatdula served at the pleasure of the President.

Gatdula was among several NBI officials whom a DOJ fact-finding panel recommended for criminal and administrative prosecution for the abduction-for-ransom perpetrated by NBI operatives on a suspected Japanese illegal alien, Noriyo Ohara.

The criminal charges recommended by the panel, in theory, may still be modified by the DOJ prosecutors who would be tasked to conduct a preliminary investigation.

However, the filing of criminal charges against Gatdula was held in abeyance by De Lima, who said she wanted to determine the exact participation of the sacked NBI chief in the Ohara affair.

De Lima reconstituted the fact-finding panel headed by Undersecretary Francisco Baraan III to re-assess and re-evaluate its recommendation to charge Gatdula with kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

“I can no longer touch the recommendation but what’s not clear to me is what degree or extent [was his participation], whether as a principal or accessory or if there are other bases [to charge him such as] obstruction of justice,” she said.

The Baraan panel was given until January 30 to submit a supplemental report.

De Lima also issued a memorandum referring the administrative aspects of the case to Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales.