Manila court denies Taguba motion to remain in NBI custody

Mark Taguba– INQUIRER PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

The Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 46 has denied the motion of Customs fixer Mark Ruben Taguba not to be moved to the Manila City Jail and remain detained at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Headquarters.

During a court hearing on Friday, Manila RTC 46 Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa ruled there was no evidence proving that Taguba’s life was in danger.

Moreover, the NBI or any agency attached to the Department of Justice (DOJ) is not mandated to continue keeping Taguba in their custody, the judge added.

Judge Montesa ordered Taguba’s immediate transfer from his detention cell at NBI Headquarters to the Manila City Jail. She also scheduled his arraignment on February 9 at 9:30 a.m.

Taguba’s camp meanwhile refused to issue any statement to the media on the rejection of their motion. /muf