House members defend NBI chief in extortion mess

MANILA, Philippines - Members of the House committee on public order and security urged yesterday Malacañang not to overlook the accomplishments of National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) chief Magtanggol Gatdula in deciding whether to retain him or not in his post.

Gatdula is under investigation for alleged involvement in the reported kidnapping and extortion of Noriyo Ohara, a female Japanese national, in October last year. Gatdula relieved the NBI officials involved in the incident, who claimed they were rescuing Ohara. The Department of Justice has yet to release its findings on the incident.

Nueva Ecija Rep. Rodolfo Antonino and Pangasinan Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil urged President Aquino not to be swayed by what they called the smear drive against Gatdula, whom they credited for implementing reforms in the NBI in less than two years.

Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo said Gatdula “has proven himself an excellent partner of the Aquino government as it attempts to cleanse government of graft and corruption.”

“We can’t afford to be helpless in this crusade,” Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone said. “Gatdula is well known as a person whose integrity and capability as a law enforcer is beyond question.”

The lawmakers pointed out that Gatdula voluntarily went on leave to pave the way for an impartial investigation by the Department of Justice.

Bataoil said “Gatdula’s detractors immediately went into action by launching a smear campaign against him.” He said the well-orchestrated bid to oust Gatdula has found support from those eyeing his post.

Antonino, senior vice chairman of the public security committee, said letting Gatdula go could be a “big loss” to the NBI.

“He has proven himself as a true and honest public servant,” Antonino said.

“Director Gatdula is a man with towering integrity who will always put premium on good governance,” Castelo said.

The lawmakers said it was also possible that an information and technology firm that lost a P200-million information technology contract with the NBI is behind the campaign to seek Gatdula’s ouster.