DoJ eyes RP-HK MLAT as shield for Noy’s pals, allies in HK probe By Benjamin B. Pulta 12/22/2010

DoJ eyes RP-HK MLAT as shield for Noy’s pals, allies in HK probe

By Benjamin B. Pulta 12/22/2010

It is still a matter of President Aquino’s continued protection of his pals and allies from prosecution, here and in Hong Kong, which tends to indicate that this was the safety measure being sought by Malacañang from Hong Kong authorities in its evident resistance to have its officials testify before the Hong Kong panel that will be probing the Aug. 23 Manila botched hostage rescue operations that left eight Hong Kong tourists dead, along with the hostage taker, a dismissed policeman, Rolando Mendoza.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima yesterday said that the Philippine government will invoke its Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HK SAR) to shield from prosecution 13 witnesses summoned by Hong Kong authorities in its investigation of the botched rescue.
Speaking with reporters, De Lima expressed misgivings that the investigation being conducted by Hong Kong authorities which she said might lead to theprosecution of the Filipino witnesses..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20101222hed2.html