President Bongbong Marcos has directed newly appointed National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag to strengthen the bureau and sharpen its role in the fight against crime.
Malacañang said the president tasked Matibag to make the NBI a stronger instrument against criminality following his oath taking. Executive Secretary Ralph Recto conveyed the president’s instruction after administering Matibag’s oath on Friday.
Recto expressed confidence in the new NBI chief’s leadership.
“I say this with confidence because he brings with him experience in equally challenging government jobs he performed in the past, with distinction and dedication,” Recto said in a statement.
“Added to this is his deep respect for and knowledge of the law, the faithful observance of which is an NBI hallmark, the reason why it remains esteemed as an effective crime-fighting unit,” he added.
Recto also thanked outgoing NBI Director Lito Magno, saying he served with integrity in keeping with the bureau’s tradition.
Malacañang earlier announced Matibag’s appointment, with Palace Press Officer Claire Castro noting that the selection of the new NBI chief was the president’s prerogative. She said the president saw in Matibag someone who could be trusted and who could work for the government.
Matibag previously served as acting Cabinet secretary in March 2022 during the final months of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s term. He also held the post of secretary general of PDP Laban, the political party of Duterte, and resigned from the position in 2023.
His past roles include Manila International Airport Authority general manager and National Transmission Corp. president. He also served as a legal instructor in several universities in the Philippines.
Matibag is married to Laguna Rep. Ma. Rene Ann Lourdes Matibag.
With the appointment, Marcos has placed a former senior government official and party leader at the helm of the NBI, tasking him to reinforce the bureau’s capacity and uphold its mandate as a primary investigative arm of the state.
