Mantaring named OIC at NBI

President Arroyo formally designated National Bureau of Investigated (NBI) Assistant Director Nestor Mantaring as officer-in-charge of the bureau as Director Reynaldo Wycoco remains in a coma at the Manila Doctors Hospital (MDH).

Malacañang sent a copy of the Nov. 24 directive to the NBI last Wednesday. "Pursuant to the provisions of existing laws, you are hereby designated officer-in-charge, NBI, Department of Justice (DOJ)," President Arroyo said.

Mantaring is a lawyer and a graduate of Far Eastern University (FEU) Institute of Law Batch 1972. He rose from the NBI ranks and held several positions, including heading the Southern Luzon, Central Luzon offices and Interpol Division before becoming the second top official of the bureau.

He has spent 30 years of his career at the NBI.

The announcement was made eight days after Wycoco collapsed and was rushed to the MDH. Doctors said he suffered a hemorrhagic stroke caused by a ruptured aneurysm in the brain.

A source at the NBI said they were elated by the President’s decision that an "insider" was chosen to act as OIC.

However, they were still concerned over persistent rumors that two retired police generals are already lobbying for the position of NBI chief.

"We are against the appointment of retired generals, not because we do not like outsiders, but because it gives the impression that there are no capable, trustworthy officials at the NBI that can take on the job," one source said.

The source said they are worried that if a retired police general is appointed, they could use their position at the NBI to get back at their enemies and their detractors.

"Baka gamitin nila ang NBI para tapusin ang mga nakabangga nila at balikan ang kanilang mga kalaban," he said.

Another official said it was high time that an insider was appointed.

"If an outsider takes over, we will respect the President’s prerogative, but we still prefer an insider," the official said.

Only two outsiders have been placed at the helm of the agency, namely Senator Alfredo Lim and Wycoco. The two men similarly came from the ranks of the Philippine National Police. – Evelyn Macairan