DOJ probe on kidnap raps vs Gatdula hits snag

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Justice (DOJ)’s investigation into the kidnapping case of former National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director Magtanggol Gatdula was suspended yesterday following a glitch in the USB drive of a lawyer of one of the respondents.

The DOJ prosecutors were set to submit for resolution motions to suspend proceedings, transfer of venue and for inhibition but two other accused – dismissed NBI security management division chief Mario Garcia and civilian agent Virgilito

“Labsky” Gutierrez – failed to submit the required reply to the comments filed by complainant Noriyo Ohara.

Gutierrez’s lawyer Romeo Esmera said they were not prepare to submit the pleading because of problem in his USB that prevented him from printing the document and submitting it during yesterday’s hearing.

The DOJ gave Gutierrez and Garcia until Monday to submit their respective replies. The next hearing has been set on April 23.

Gatdula had earlier filed a petition with the Supreme Court (SC) seeking to stop the DOJ from investigating him in connection with Ohara’s abduction last year.

Ohara implicated Gatdula, Garcia, his executive officer Jose Odelon Cabillan, NBI assets Chona Elen Esplana and Gutierrez in her kidnapping and serious illegal detention in October last year.