Ex-Duterte Cabinet Official Named New NBI Chief
Lawyer Melvin Matibag, a former Cabinet secretary under ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, is set to assume leadership of the National Bureau of Investigation.
Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed during a press briefing that Matibag will take over as NBI director, replacing Lito Magno, who has been serving as officer-in-charge since October following the resignation of former director Jaime Santiago.
“That’s just the information given to me, that there would be a new NBI director in the person of Atty. Melvin Matibag,” Castro said when asked about the appointment.
“First, that’s the prerogative of the President. We can say that he appointed someone because the trust is there. He saw Atty. Melvin Matibag as someone he can trust, someone who can work for the government. But with regard to the reasons, the details were not provided to me,” she added.
Matibag previously served as general manager of the Manila International Airport Authority and as president and chief executive officer of the National Transmission Corporation during the Duterte administration. He also held the position of secretary-general of PDP-Laban before stepping down in 2023.
The NBI expressed gratitude to Magno for his leadership during his tenure.
“Serving as director of the National Bureau of Investigation has been both an honor and a profound responsibility. I am deeply grateful to the dedicated agents and personnel who stood with me in upholding our mandate,” Magno said.
“I have full confidence that the bureau will continue to carry out its mission with integrity, courage and commitment under its new leadership,” he added.
The bureau assured the public of continuity in its services and reiterated its commitment to deliver justice “without fear or favor” amid the leadership transition.
Castro also dismissed rumors that Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno would be removed from his post, saying fake documents circulating about his status would be referred to the NBI for investigation.
