The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is the premier investigative agency of the land and I am certain that every single day, its Director, Jaime ‘Jimmy’ Santiago and all of those working in the bureau, strive to uphold and further strengthen this reputation.
On February 15, 2024, a Special Task Force (STF) was created by the DOJ to act on cases involving national security and/or interest and those referred by the Office of the President and the Office of the Secretary of Justice. It shall also act on such other cases that may be assigned by the Director. Since then, the STF has proven to be an effective tool for the DOJ and NBI. This was the team that exposed scams such as supposed appointments for sale, impersonators of government officials and extortionists, among others.
On September 11, 2024, the STF conducted an operation after receiving a complaint from a private individual about a clinic in Makati City which was operating without any medical license and/or accreditation. This operation resulted in the arrest of Vietnamese Nguyen Thi Thu Ha aka Mei Naa and her Filipino cohorts, namely, Demi Nhor Abelada Robles and Mary Frinces Listones Dalaguite.
The following day, on 12 September 2024, the subjects were brought to the Office of the City Prosecutor of Makati for inquest proceedings. This was another successful operation, another laurel added to the prestige of the NBI.
However, information belatedly reached the Office of the Director that one of the members of the team committed an abhorrent deed during the operation. This information should have been reported promptly as it affects not only the operation’s credibility but the NBI’s reputation.
Acting swiftly, Director Santiago ordered the Internal Affairs Division (IAD) to immediately conduct a meticulous investigation. He simultaneously issued an order grounding the STF, thus prohibiting the conduct of any further operation.
When the report came in positive, Director Santiago himself confronted the agent involved. In his embarrassment, the agent decided to tender his resignation from the service which was accepted by the Director.
Knowing that a mere resignation was not enough, the NBI Director also ordered the filing of the appropriate case against the said agent before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Makati City.
The filing of cases underscores the policy of non-tolerance for any improper and irregular behavior. This incident, however, exceeds mere impropriety and irregularity by far. It is illegal, unlawful, unethical, gruesome, grotesque and outright unacceptable. I will no longer delve into the nature of the case since charges have already been filed.
Director Santiago assures that he extends his full support to the agents and personnel of the NBI who perform their duty satisfactorily but also sternly warns those who use the NBI to advance their depraved agenda that he will leave them no quarters. The Director vows to dedicate his remaining years in public service to preserve the prestige and excellence of the NBI.
He also stresses that as long as he leads the NBI, the bureau will not deviate from its commitment to law and justice, regardless if the destructive forces are from within or without.
Director Santiago urges the NBI leadership, its agents and employees to support him in his move in ensuring that the NBI is free from miscreants and rogue elements. He already ordered that the selection process for agents and personnel be sterner so that they shall not see nor hear of similar incidents in the future.
In a statement, he said: “Lest we forget, the NBI is and should remain to be a place for honorable men and women, dedicating their lives in upholding law and justice. Amidst these halls of honor, there is no place for scoundrels. The good name that was built for years should by no means be destroyed by the same men and women who comprise it. In that way, our hearts shall forever truly pulsate with the fire of NOBILITY, BRAVERY and INTEGRITY.”
Just like all other organizations, none is perfect. There will always be rotten eggs. Preserving the integrity of the organization concerned is a matter that rests on the shoulder of the one that heads it.
At the NBI, its officers and employees are assured that with Santiago sitting as its director, things that would drag the reputation of the entire agency to shame will not go unpunished.
I know Director Santiago to be an upright man. He has no room for tolerance for things like this.
