Ex-NBI Chief to ask court to stop DoJ probe anew

MANILA, Philippines—Former National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Magtanggol Gatdula will ask the Manila City Regional Trial Court to stop the Department of Justice (DoJ) from proceeding with the investigation on his alleged involvement over the alleged abduction of Japanese national Noriyo Ohara.

On Thursday, the DoJ issued a subpoena to Gatdula requiring him to submit his counter-affidavit answering Ohara’s allegations of kidnapping and serious illegal detention. The subpoena was issued despite a Feb. 20 order by Manila RTC Branch 8 Judge Felixberto Olalia that the DoJ should indefinitely stop investigations on Gatdula.

Lawyer Abraham Espejo said they will file a motion to defer the proceedings at the DoJ because the DoJ’s move to push through with the preliminary investigation is a violation of the court’s order.