NBI Manila probes threat against Cebu RTC judge

CEBU, Philippines - The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-7 has endorsed to their Central Office in Manila a letter with a threat received by Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Raphael Yrastorza from a certain “Ka Jerry”.

This, after Yrastorza asked the NBI to verify the threat letter he received from “Ka Jerry” regarding his procedure involving the granting of bail.

NBI Regional Director Edward Villarta told the media yesterday that the letter was already endorsed to Manila and they are just waiting for instructions from the Central Office.

“Mag-aantay lang kami kung anung plano nila, if kami ba ang mag-verify or sila,(We will just wait for instructions as to who will verify the letter),” he said.

Villarta added that since it was hand written, the investigator will verify the hand writing and match it with suspects, if any.

Yrastorza received the letter threatening him regarding an issue on bail. The possibility that the judge cancelled the bail or refused to approve a motion for bail or temporary liberty may have caused the threat. However, the letter gave no other details on what case was being referred to.

Yrastorza reportedly did not ask for security detail claiming that he was not afraid because he was just doing his job in a legal way.

The letter stated “naabot sa pandungog sa kalihokan nga sobra ang imong pagdaugdaug sa mga akusado ug pagyatak sa ilang katungod kabahin sa pagpiyansa. (The movement has learned that you have been treating the accused badly and you have disregarded their right to bail.)”

“Ka Jerry” also complained in his letter to Yrastorza that the accused should post bail only once and not many times for the same case.

Villarta suggested that Yrastorza inform the court administrator for judicial security. (FREEMAN)