Friday, January 20, 2012

News Update Philippine anti-crime czar sacked for kidnap

MANILA (AFP) - The head of the Philippines' top crime investigation agency was sacked on Thursday for being involved in the kidnapping for ransom of a Japanese woman, the justice secretary said.

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) chief Magtanggol Gatdula and 10 of his agents were linked to last year's abduction of the Japanese woman, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima told reporters.

'The (investigating) panel made recommendations for the filing of administrative and criminal charges (against) the NBI director himself who based on testimony, had personal knowledge of the crime,' said Ms de Lima.

The recommendations were made after Gatdula, other NBI officials, the victim and Japanese embassy officials testified to a justice department panel tasked with investigating the crime, she said.