DOJ junks bid to stop probe vs Gatdula

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Justice (DOJ) has dismissed a petition of former National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director Magtanggol Gatdula to stop the preliminary investigation on the charges filed against him for alleged kidnapping and extortion.

Government prosecutors junked the motion of Gatdula and other respondents seeking suspension of the PI over a writ of preliminary injunction earlier issued by a Manila court.

The panel composed of Assistant State Prosecutor Juan Pedro Navera, Irwin Maraya and Hazel Decena-Valdez held that the court order pertained to results of the fact-finding probe conducted by the DOJ, which is different from the formal complaint filed by Japanese Noriyo Ohara.