Gatdula emotional at amparo hearing

MANILA, Philippines - Former National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director Magtanggol Gatdula became emotional when he testified at the resumption of the hearing yesterday on a petition he filed seeking a writ of amparo.

“Being with law enforcement, I have been used to this kind of threats. I can die any time, but the fear for the life of my wife, di na kakayanin ng loob,” said Gatdula.

Gatdula was seen wiping his eyes with a handkerchief, while his wife Ma. Aurora cried as her husband was speaking.

The former NBI chief broke down when asked by his lawyer Abraham Espejo on his feeling when he filed for a writ of amparo.

Espejo asked Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 26 Judge Silvino Pampilo Jr. for a one-minute break to allow his client to compose himself. Pampilo declared a five-minute break.

Gatdula asked the court to issue the writ to prevent Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, NBI officer-in-charge Nonnatus Ceasar Rojas and NBI Deputy Director for Technical Services Reynaldo Esmeralda from filing charges against him for the Feb. 21 attack on Esmeralda.

Gatdula said he filed a petition for the writ of amparo after learning about the threats on his life, which was relayed to him by two Iglesia Ni Cristo members—Michael Lim and Jim Bryan Malabuyoc.

He said Lim informed him that some armed men were looking for him.

Upon cross-examination by Assistant Solicitor General Amparo Cabotaje-Tang, Gatdula said he was not aware if those out to get him were acting on the orders of any of the respondents.

Gatdula added that any threat to his life may also be a threat to his wife. “When my wife is with me, if I’m the target, she may be affected,” he said.

When Tang asked if there were other threats on his life, Gatdula said he also received information from some former intelligence officials of the Philippine National Police.

When Pampilo pressed for details, Gatdula requested for an executive session.

In an interview with reporters after the hearing, Espejo described the information as “A-1,” but refused to elaborate.

“If divulged, those who gave them the info might lose their job. We gave the names to the judge. Got A-1 info about this ‘ambush me’,” Espejo added.

“So we beg the court to see the plight of the petitioner to give him protection. The court is the only place where he can get protection. Everyone turned their back on the petitioner,” he said.