DOJ summons AIR-TF chief

The Department of Justice (DOJ) ordered Anti-illegal Recruitment Task Force (AIR-TF) Director Reynaldo Jaylo to present himself today at a preliminary investigation in connection with various charges filed against him and his men.

Jaylo, a former police captain, faces usurpation of authority charges while 11 of his agents have been charged with qualified bribery and serious illegal detention filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

Senior State Prosecutor Emmanuel Velasco said he had subpoenaed Jaylo to appear at 2 p.m. today and on Nov. 23 "so he can testify in connection with the ongoing preliminary investigation of his case."

"You are hereby advised that no motion for postponement shall be entertained except for highly meritorious ground. Failure on your part to appear at the hearing would be deemed a waiver of your right to present controverting evidence and, hence, the case will be deemed submitted for resolution," the subpoena stated.

Velasco said the complaint against Jaylo and his men stemmed from an entrapment operation in Pasig City. A couple accused of being illegal recruiters by the AIR-TF claimed the agents tried to extort money from them in exchange for their release.

The NBI said the AIR-TF, previously known as the Presidential Anti-Illegal Recruitment Task Force, was a bogus law enforcement agency and had no mandate to make arrests.

Authority given to the presidential task force expired last July 9 and has not been renewed by President Arroyo.

The NBI earlier forwarded to the DOJ a report detailing complaints made by relatives of detainees of the task force.