Gatdula denies involvement in NBI exec’s ambush, demands apology from De Lima

MANILA, Philippines—The camp of former National Bureau of Investigation chief Magtanggol Gatdula on Wednesday demanded a public apology from Justice Secretary Leila de Lima after the latter linked the ambush attack on NBI deputy Director Reynaldo Esmeralda on Tuesday night to the alleged abduction and extortion of a Japanese woman in which Gatdula was allegedly involved.

“We demand a public apology,” lawyer Abraham Espejo, legal counsel of Gatdula, said in a press conference at the Sulu Riviera Hotel in Quezon City.

Espejo said that Gatdula deserved an apology from de Lima for her “baseless” accusations she made Tuesday night, linking his client to the ambush.

“Within 10 minutes after the so-called ambush, Esmeralda called De Lima who said, ‘May kinalaman ’yan do’n sa kidnapping kay (Noriyo) Ohara. (This has something to do with the kidnapping of (Japanese national Noriyo) Ohara.)’ Do you find this believable?” he said.

In a statement made through his spokesperson Doren Flora Manzanero, Gatdula said that while he was “deeply saddened” by what happened to Esmeralda, he was “greatly distressed over apparent attempts to link” him to the ambush. Gatdula has denied involvement in the crime.

“I have, and will never, insult, threaten, or harm any person just to vindicate myself . . . Even though I am already out of the service, I still uphold the principles of the bureau—nobility, bravery and integrity,” Gatdula said.

Espejo said that they found it unusual for the gunmen who shot Esmeralda to be able to carry a long firearm without being caught along the way.

He also wondered why the vehicle that Esmeralda was riding in was shot several times without hitting the target.

Likewise, Espejo noted that NBI operatives “cleaned up” the crime scene without waiting for the police to arrive and conduct an investigation.

Espejo appealed to De Lima to stop linking Gatdula to the ambush attack, adding that the justice secretary should instead turn her attention to the recent hazing incident that killed a freshman law student from San Beda College. De Lima also studied at the same school, where she obtained her law degree.—Jamie Marie Elona