MANILA, Philippines – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) assured Thursday Justice Secretary Leila M. de Lima that there would be no division among its ranks. A statement issued by the NBI Investigators Mutual Benefit Association Inc. (NBIIMBAI) said that “the NBI is composed of professional and dedicated men and women in public service. If ever there are differences in opinion and strategy, these are just simple legal critical thinking that everybody is entitled to ensure growth, development and success in all undertakings.”
In a separate press statement, the NBI Employees Association (NBIEA) “solidly stands behind the administration of Director Magtanggol Gatdula.’’
The NBIIMBAI added: “The NBI Director, lawyer Magtanggol B. Gatdula, has shown the hallmark of a true and sterling leader when he crafted the 2020 vision for the NBI. With this vision, clearly mapping the highway of good public service, there is no doubt the NBI will retain its name as the premier investigative agency not only in our country but also in Asian region.”
The NBIIMBAI said that it highly and strongly supports the plans and programs initiated and now being implemented by Director Gatdula.
“There is no truth to news reports that NBI is divided. There is no such divisiveness,” said NBIEA.
Last Monday, De Lima appealed to the NBI not to resort to “divisiveness” and factionalism” within the organization as these would only hamper the bureau’s goals to attain better record.
De Lima made the statement at the 74th founding anniversary of the NBI where she was guest speaker.
She appealed to the entire bureau officials, agents, investigators and employees not to involve themselves to divisiveness and factionalism and instead as one organization to improve the image of the bureau.
After her speech, De Lima admitted to reporters that she has been receiving certain reports from NBI agents, informing her about the divisiveness and factionalism within the bureau.
Asked about the particular cases being handled by the bureau which triggered the apparent factionalism, de Lima simply replied, “there are really several high profile cases being handled by the bureau.”
She said that she had to remind the NBI officers and employees that there should be no “dilly-dallying in cases although involving high-profile figures.”
Jeamma Sabate, Manila Bulletin
