Ex-judge faces obstruction of justice raps

MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman yesterday ordered the filing of a criminal complaint against a former judge of Lanao del Sur for taking custody of a prisoner without permission from a court.

Former Municipal Trial Court in Cities presiding judge Baguinda-Ali Pacalna will be indicted for obstruction of justice.

Records show that police officers arrested a certain Menor Saud in September 2007 based on a warrant for car theft issued by the regional trial court of Lanao Del Sur. 

Pacalna reportedly took custody of Saud, who was detained at the Marawi City Jail,  despite the objection of the police officers. 

The ombudsman said Pacalna’s act was “laced with undue influence upon the jail warden,” adding that the release of a detainee must be upon the order of a competent court, either through recognizance or by posting of a bond.

Presidential Decree 1829 penalizes an individual who harbors, conceals, or facilitates the escape of any person whom he knows to have committed an offense to prevent his arrest, prosecution and conviction.