Dismissed NBI chief Gatdula granted TRO extension

MANILA, Philippines—The Manila Regional Trial Court on Tuesday extended the 72-hour temporary restraining order (TRO) to 20 days stopping Malacañang and the Department of Justice from proceeding with investigation on the alleged involvement of dismissed National Bureau of Investigation Director Magtanggol Gatdula on the abduction and extortion of Japanese national Noriyo Ohara.

“The court finds that the extension of the 72-hour TRO already issued is warranted. However, inasmuch as the said TRO expired yesterday, January 30, 2012, Court hereby grants the prayer for the issuance of a TRO effective for a period of 20 days,” Manila RTC Judge Felixberto Olalia said in the order.

He also required Gatdula to pay a cash bond of P100, 000 before the TRO could take effect.

Olalia explained that the bond “is conditioned that if later petition by virtue of a final judgment may be denied, bail will be forfeited in favor of the government.”

The court set the case for hearing on February 16 to determine if the TRO will be made permanent.

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.