MANILA– Newly installed National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director Melvin Matibag formally assumed leadership of the bureau on Monday with a strong pledge to intensify corruption probes and enforce accountability, warning that those facing charges must surrender or face the full force of the agency.
Taking the helm of the country’s premier investigative arm following his appointment by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Matibag said he had been directed to strengthen the NBI’s law enforcement mandate and help restore public confidence in government institutions.
Speaking to reporters after the leadership turnover ceremony, the new NBI chief underscored that rebuilding trust hinges on concrete action against wrongdoing.
“Gawin natin ‘yun. Ta-trabahuhin natin. By doing that, ‘yun ang binanggit na ilalapit ‘yung NBI sa tao. Siguro in doing so, doon babalik ‘yung tiwala ng tao sa gobyerno,” he said.
Matibag stressed that individuals facing legal charges must submit to the rule of law or be pursued by authorities.
“Sumuko sila dapat at harapin ‘yung batas na kanilang kinasasakdalan. Pero kung hindi sila susuko at merong prosesong binigay ang korte, we will use the full force of the NBI to go after them and to get them, para managot sila,” he said.
He also confronted questions about his previous service as a Cabinet official during the Duterte administration, insisting that his leadership would be anchored on institutional duty rather than political alignment.
“Let’s address the big elephant in the room… dati akong nasa kabila, ngayon nandirito. Sana wala tayong linyang ganoon. Kasi ang mga nanunungkulan, nanunungkulan tayo base sa mandato ng ahensya. Hindi dahil sa mga personalidad na naglagay sayo,” he said.
Matibag took his oath before Executive Secretary Ralph Recto last week.
Outgoing acting director Lito Magno expressed confidence that the bureau would continue to move forward under Matibag’s leadership.
Following the ceremony, Matibag and Magno proceeded to the Department of Justice for a courtesy call, formally marking the start of Matibag’s tenure as NBI chief./PN
