Manila: A special task force created five months ago to investigate the anomalous flood control projects will be retained, newly appointed National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag said on Monday.
According to Philippines News Agency, in a media interview during his courtesy call to Department of Justice (DOJ) officials, Matibag mentioned that the ongoing pace of the investigation will largely be sustained during his term. He emphasized that the existing task force will remain unchanged, stating, "Well, umaandar naman po 'yan (that is already ongoing). There's already an existing task force. Hindi na po natin gagalawin 'yan (We will not change it)."
Matibag further explained that the current systems in place at the NBI will be enhanced but not overhauled, ensuring continuity in ongoing investigations. "Kung ano pong sistema na nandiyan sa NBI, we will just enhance kung ano po 'yung umaandar na sistema ngayon. Itutuloy lang po at kung ano 'yung under investigation tuloy (Whatever system is in place at the NBI, we will just enhance whatever system is currently in place. We will just continue with what is under investigation)," he added.
Matibag, a lawyer, has taken over from former NBI Director Jaime Santiago. Angelito Magno served as the officer-in-charge of the NBI following Santiago's resignation before Matibag's appointment.
Under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Matibag expressed his commitment to "uplift the integrity of the bureau." He also highlighted his aim to strengthen the fight against crimes and make the NBI more accessible to the public. "At the same time palakasin po 'yung laban sa krimen at 'yun pong ilapit natin sa tao 'yung ang National Bureau of Investigation. (We will also strengthen the fight against crimes and will bring the NBI closer to the people). If friends, party mates, or allies are involved, they must be held accountable," he asserted.
Matibag officially assumed his role as the new NBI director after taking his oath before Executive Secretary Ralph Recto in a ceremony held at Malaca±an Palace in Manila on February 20.
