MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) - The Department of Justice (DOJ) has recommended the conduct of preliminary investigation for the criminal offense of kidnapping and serious illegal detention against the following in connection with the alleged kidnapping of Japanene national Noriyo Ohara by officers and agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI):
- NBI Director Magtanggol Gatdula
- Special Investigator (SI) Mario Garcia [former head of the NBI Security Management Division(SMD)]
- Chona Elen Esplana [Garcia's asset, not an organic personnel of the NBI]
- Virgelito "Labsky" Gutierrez [Garcia's asset and alleged lackey of Dir. Gatdula]
- Raul Dimaano [special asst. of Dir. Gatdula]
- Jose Odelon Cabillan [SI and former Exec. Officer of NBI-SMD]
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima also confirmed President Aquino has decided to replace Gatdula as NBI director in light of the DOJ findings.