Matibag Formally Assumes Post as NBI Director
Melvin Matibag officially assumed office as director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday, February 20, after taking his oath before Executive Secretary Ralph Recto at Malacañang Palace.
The ceremony took place a day after Malacañang announced Matibag’s appointment. Palace officials said Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. considered Matibag’s trustworthiness and competence as key factors in selecting him to lead the country’s premier investigative body.
Matibag succeeds former NBI Director Jaime Santiago, who resigned from the post. Prior to the appointment, Angelito Magno served as officer-in-charge to ensure continuity in the bureau’s operations. The Department of Justice confirmed that Magno will now be appointed deputy director of the agency.
The Department of Justice, which supervises the NBI, welcomed the leadership transition. DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez said the department looks forward to working closely with Matibag and strengthening coordination with the bureau in pursuing justice and upholding the rule of law.
Matibag previously served during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte, bringing with him years of experience in government service.
With his formal assumption into office on February 20, Matibag now takes on the responsibility of guiding the NBI through ongoing and emerging challenges, including complex criminal investigations, cyber-related offenses, and transnational crimes, as the bureau continues to play a central role in the country’s law enforcement framework.
