Gatdula recommends deputy as NBI OIC

MANILA, Philippines - National Bureau of Investigation Director Magtanggol Gatdula has recommended his deputy, Medardo de Lemos, as the officer-in-charge of the bureau while he is on a 30-day leave.

In a text message to The STAR, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said Sunday she received Gatdula’s memorandum last Dec. 16 applying for a month’s leave. He was criticized after NBI-Security Management Division officials and agents arrested Japanese woman Noriyo Ohara and allegedly attempted to extort P100 million from her.

Gatdula had asked that he be allowed a 30-day leave to enable the Department of Justice to proceed with its investigation unhampered and free from accusations of bias and influence.

Ohara had reportedly gone to the country to seek refuge from the Japanese crime syndicate Yakuza but was arrested on Oct. 28 in Bugallon, Pangasinan and detained at the NBI for alleged violation of immigration laws, based on the allegations of her foster family.