NBI ordered by SC to comment on Miranda's release petition

The Supreme Court has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to comment on a petition filed by the camp of Marvin Miranda, one of the alleged masterminds in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.

In the petition for a writ of habeas corpus, Miranda’s mother, Conchita Miranda, asked the Court to issue an order for her son’s immediate release.

In a resolution dated April 17, the SC First Division ordered the NBI to comment within a period of 10 days.

The Supreme Court only received the resolution today.

In the petition, Conchita Miranda also sought a protection order to prohibit the NBI from committing or attempting to commit any act violative of Miranda’s rights.

She also asked the court to issue an order to suppress any evidence emanating from his arrest.

Degamo case

On March 4, Degamo and eight others were killed while several others were injured after an attack on the late governor’s home in Negros Oriental. The death toll later climbed to 10.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remullas has likened Miranda to a “casting director” while suspended Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. was desrcibed as the "executive producer" in the assassination.

Miranda was nabbed by the NBI after fleeing from Negros Oriental.

Several suspects, however, have recanted their testimonies about having knowledge about the killing. The suspects claimed to have been tortured to sign their affidavits.

Remulla accused Miranda of supposedly "directing" other suspects to recant their testimonies.

On Wednesday, Teves camp asked Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutors to inhibit from the preliminary probe against the lawmaker over the alleged killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.

Teves camp argued that the DOJ is not an impartial tribunal and that Teves’ right to due process was violated due to Remulla's remarks.

Due to this, Teves' camp said the preliminary probe should be headed by the Office of the Ombudsman. —VAL, GMA Integrated News