DoJ forms panel to probe filing of criminal case vs former NBI chief

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and Magtanggol Gatdula. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Despite a temporary restraining order, the Department of Justice (DoJ) created a panel of investigators to determine if there was enough basis to warrant the filing of criminal case against former National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Magtanggol Gatdula.

Based on Office Order No. 106 dated February 15, Prosecutor General Claro Arellano designated Assistant State Prosecutor Juan Pedro Navera, Hazel Decena-Valdez and Irwin Maraya to “handle the preliminary investigation and if the evidence warrants, file the corresponding information/s before the appropriate court.”

Noriyo Ohara, a Japanese national, in her complaint accused Gatdula, Mario Garcia, Special Investigator and former Chief of the NBI-Security Management Division (NBI-SMD); Security Volunteer Jay Ducusin; Raul Dimaano, Special Assistant of Director Gatdula and Jose Odelon Cabillan, Special Investigator and former Executive Officer of the NBI-SMD and several John and Jane Does for alleged kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

Ohara also accused Garcia, NBI asset Chona Elen Esplana for grave coercion, falsification and robbery; Cabillan for alleged falsification; and security volunteer Virgelito Gutierrez for robbery.

“This order takes effect immediately and shall remain in force until further orders,” Arellano said.

Gatdula has a pending petition before the Manila City regional trial court where he questioned the investigation conducted against him by the DoJ.

The court stopped the DoJ from proceeding with the investigation on Gatdula’s alleged involvement in the abduction of Ohara.

The TRO will expire on February 20 and a hearing will be conducted by the Manila Court on Thursday, 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 recommended to be subjected to a preliminary investigation for kidnapping and serious illegal detention.