Melvin Matibag named as new NBI director

Lawyer Melvin Matibag was named as the new director of the National Bureau of Investigation.

This was announced by Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro during a press briefing on Thursday.

Matibag was known as a Duterte ally. Castro said there is no reason given to her as regards Matibag's appointment.

''Ang rason ay hindi po naipukol sa atin. 'Yan lamang po ang aking maibibigay sa ngayon,'' Castro said. 

(The reason was not given to us. That's the only information I can give at this time.)

When pressed why Matibag was picked by the President even though the latter was a known supporter of the previous Duterte administration, Castro said it is Marcos' prerogative to appoint government officials.

She added that Marcos could have seen that Matibag is fit to work in the government and trustworthy. 

''Unang-una, prerogative naman po ng Pangulo... unang-una, masasabi natin bakit niya iaappoint, nandoon po 'yung tiwala. Nakitaan po niya si Atty. Melvin Matibag na maaaring pagtiwalaan, maaaring magtrabaho sa gobyerno,'' Castro said. 

(That's the prerogative of the President. First, he'll appoint him because of the trust. He sees that Atty. Melvin Matibag is trustworthy and can work in the government.)

No information yet was given on Matibag's oath taking.  

Matibag will replace Atty. Angelito Magno, who only assumed the post last October 2025.

Matibag served as acting Cabinet Secretary in the previous administration and held posts in various institutions, including the National Transmission Corporation, PDP-Laban, Manila International Airport Authority, and Laguna Lake Development Authority, among others. 

Meanwhile, the NBI assured Matibag of its full cooperation and support.

“The Bureau remains unwavering in its commitment to deliver justice without fear or favor and to serve the Filipino people with utmost dedication — regardless of who leads the institution,” it said in a statement.

For his part, Magno extended his gratitude to the NBI agents and personnel who supported him.

“I have full confidence that the Bureau will continue to carry out its mission with integrity, courage, and commitment under its new leadership,” he said.

Bureau of Customs 

Meanwhile, Castro also dismissed as fake news the ''rumors'' that Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno would be replaced.

''Ang kumakalat na sinasabing papalitan si Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno ay wala pong katotohanan,'' she said.

(Rumors that Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno would be replaced is not true.) 

She said the National Bureau of Investigation would be tapped to determine the source of this false information. 

''Ang lumalabas po na dokumentong iyan ay ibibigay po natin mismo sa NBI dahil marami na po talaga ang namimihasa/umaabuso sa kanilang mga sinasabing freedom of expression. So, iyan po ay ipapaalam at ihahatid natin sa NBI para makita at maimbestigahan kung saan nanggagaling ang mga pekeng impormasyon na iyan,'' she said. 

(The document that is surfacing would be given to the NBI as a lot of individuals are abusing their freedom of expression. We will give that to the NBI so they can investigate and determine the source of this investigation.)  — AOL/RF/RSJ, GMA Integrated News