TRO on Gatdula probe extended

MANILA, Philippines - The Manila Regional Trial Court granted the appeal of dismissed National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director Magtanggol Gatdula for an extension of the 72-hour Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) that expired last January 30.

President Aquino had sacked Gatdula after he was implicated in the alleged kidnapping and P6 million extortion on a Japanese woman.

Manila RTC Judge Felixberto Olalia of Branch 8, granted Gatdula another 20 days following the expiration of the three-day TRO, enjoining the Department of Justice from conducting a preliminary investigation on his cases of kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

The DOJ fact-finding panel led by Undersecretary Francisco Baraan has recommended the filing of the charges against Gatdula in connection with the abduction, illegal detention and extortion on Ohara Noriyo, an undocumented alien.

“This court finds the extension of the 72-hours TRO already issued is warranted. However, in as much as said TRO expired yesterday, Jan. 30, 2012, the court hereby grants the prayer for the issuance of a TRO effective for a period of 20 days, subject however to the filing of cash bond in the amount of P100,000 conditioned that if later, petition by virtue of a final judgment maybe denied, bail will be forfeited in favor of the government,” read the seven-page TRO.

Olalia set the hearing on Feb. 6, 2012 at 10 a.m. to determine whether a writ of preliminary injunction should be issued.

Gatdula earlier petitioned the court for an extension of the TRO in order to further restrained respondents from implementing the questioned order.