NBI OIC Magno vows bureau will continue investigations, modernize

Newly appointed National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) officer-in-charge Angelito “Lito” Magno on Monday vowed that the bureau will continue the investigations and reforms started under outgoing director Jaime Santiago.

“We will sustain our ongoing investigation and reforms, ensuring that the pursuit of truth is never interrupted by fear or favor,” Magno said in his speech at the turnover ceremony.

Among other issues, the NBI was previously looking into ghost flood control projects as well as the spread of false information regarding the Independent Commission for Infrastructure’s flood control probe.

Aside from this, Magno said the NBI will modernize its processes.

“We will advance the digital justice initiative to modernize case management and forensic processes. We will strengthen the NBI Academy of Excellence to raise not only competent but also compassionate investigators,” he said.

“We will adopt an open bureau policy promoting transparency while safeguarding investigative integrity,” he added.

Further, he said the NBI will expand the Justice on Wheels Program to remote communities.

During the ceremony, Santiago passed the NBI flag to Magno.

Meanwhile, the outgoing director advised Magno to be objective.

“Let us lead the NBI, the bureau, objectively. Ako, I have never been subjective. Kahit galit ako sa tao, kailangan ma promote, promoted. Kahit naman kakampi ko, kahit naman paborito ko, kahit na— well, kailangan kastiguhin, kastiguhin,” he said.

(Let us lead the NBI, the bureau, objectively. As for me, I have never been subjective. Even if I’m angry at someone, and they must be promoted, they will be promoted. Even if they are my ally, even if they’re my favorite, if they must be punished, punish them.)

In August, Santiago resigned from his post, saying "detractors and those who have sinister interest" in his position have "incessantly" made moves to besmirch his reputation.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. accepted his irrevocable resignation in October. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News