Court asked to compel NBI to release Zimbabwe man

MANILA, Philippines - A Filipina is asking a Manila regional trial court to compel the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to release her friend, a Zimbabwe man, who reportedly remains in the bureau’s detention cell despite being cleared of drug charges two years ago.

Ma. Clairus de la Cruz filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus before the court to effect the release of Paul Andrew Hope-Hann, who was arrested by NBI agents on Dec. 12, 2008. The NBI accused Hope-Hann of supplying illegal drugs to employees and patrons of high-class nighclubs in Caloocan City and nearby areas.

The Caloocan City prosecutor, however, dismissed the case filed against Hope-Hann on March 10, 2009 and ordered the NBI to release him. De la Cruz said the NBI failed to follow the prosecutor’s order.