Ex-NBI chief Rojas back in govt as Ilocos regional prosecutor

Former National Bureau of Investigation director Nonnatus Cesar Rojas is back in government service, returning to his old post as regional prosecutor of the Ilocos Region.

 

“It's good to be back. I'll immediately buckle down to work with the same intensity and enthusiasm as I had in NBI,” Rojas said in a text message to GMA News Online Tuesday.

 

“My people are the greatest asset of my office. They are the best,” he added.

 

Rojas took his oath before Justice Secretary Leila de Lima Monday afternoon after Malacañang announced his appointment.

 

“Pinirmahan din po ng Pangulong (Benigno III) Aquino ang appointment ni Atty. Nonnatus Cesar R. Rojas bilang Prosecutor V, o Regional Prosecutor, sa Office of the Regional Prosecutor ng Region I or sa Ilocos Region sa ilalim po iyan ng National Prosecution Service ng Department of Justice,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said over the weekend

 

“Kung tatandaan po natin, si Attorney Rojas po iyong nagbitiw na hepe ng NBI kamakailan lamang, at balik po si Attorney Rojas sa kanyang pagiging isa sa ating mga masisipag at matitibay na mga prosecutors sa ilalim ng National Prosecution (Service),” she added.

 

Rojas resigned in September out of delicadeza after several NBI officials were accused of protecting controversial trader Janet Lim-Napoles.

 

Two of his men were accused of tipping off Napoles, the alleged mastermind in the supposed P10-billion pork barrel scam, about her arrest.

 

Napoles is currently detained at Fort Sto. Domingo in Sta. Rosa, Laguna over a serious illegal detention case.

 

President Aquino has yet to name a new NBI director. De Lima has installed NBI Assistant Director Medardo de Lemos as officer in charge.

 

De Lima on Monday said she has already submitted a list to Malacañang but refused to say who she recommended.

 

“Hindi ko pa pwedeng sabihin. Very recent ko kasi sinubmit yung list, very recently lang so I don't expect it to be acted upon before the end of the year. Baka January na lang siguro,” she told reporters. — RSJ, GMA News