DoJ forms panel to probe Gatdula case

Former National Bureau of Investigation Director Magtanggol Gatdula. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Justice on Wednesday has created a panel of investigators to conduct a formal inquiry on the case against former National Bureau of Investigation Director Magtanggol Gatdula in connection with the ambush of NBI Deputy Director Reynaldo Esmeralda early this year.

Based on Officer Order No. 473, Prosecutor General Claro A. Arellano ordered Assistant State Prosecutors Gion Paolo S. Santiago and Rassendell Rex F. Gingoyon and Prosecution Attorney Gerard E. Gaerlan to conduct the preliminary investigation on the new criminal case against Gatdula.

Gatdula is facing a case for frustrated murder for the foiled ambush of Esmeralda. Aside from Gatdula, also respondent to the complaint include businessman Tyrone Ong; retired policeman Perfecto Villanueva and eight others.

Also named respondents were Ronnie Ong, also known as “Eboy”; Ramoso Ramos, who was the driver of the escape vehicle of the suspects during the ambush; Alfredo Compoc; triggerman Teodoro Abendano; Gerry Farillon; Jose Maglalang; Gino Eustaquio; Aljun Monticlaros and Alvin Monticlaros.

Only seven of the 13 respondents are in the custody of the NBI, since they are involved in a separate case.

Esmeralda, his brother, Police Officer 3 Nilo Esmeralda, and other NBI agents were on their way home from the NBI headquarters when assailants filed at them along Apacible Street in Paco Manila last February.