Manila RTC indefinitely stops DoJ from investigating sacked NBI head Gatdula

MANILA, Philippines—The Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 8 on Monday indefinitely stopped the Department of Justice (DoJ) from further investigating former National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Magtanggol Gatdula.

In an 11-page order, the Manila RTC Judge Felixberto Olalia said “in view of the foregoing, the prayer for the issuance of writ of preliminary injunction is hereby granted. Respondent Secretary Leila De Lima and the panel of investigators chaired by Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan are hereby enjoined from issuing or transmitting a report to any government agency obtained through [the Department order] that created the panel.”

“Respondents are further restrained from doing, threatening, procuring or suffering to be done acts or transactions which are detrimental or prejudicial to the interest of the petitioner,” the court further stated.

The order was issued after the lapse of the 20-day temporary restraining order issued by the court. The injunction will stay until lifted by the court or until the case was resolved by the court.

Gatdula filed an urgent petition for certiorari and prohibition before the Manila Court after he was dismissed as NBI head and was recommended to be subjected to a preliminary investigation for kidnapping and serious illegal detention.