Gatdula assumes NBI post

MANILA, Philippines - Newly appointed National Bureau of Investigation Director Magtanggol Gatdula assumed office on Monday morning after simple turnover rites at the NBI headquarters in Taft Avenue, Manila, as he vowed to give everyone equal protection of the law.

“We will be giving everybody a fair share of justice. Justice for all, equal protection of the laws,” said Gatdula during his speech before the NBI personnel.

Gatdula noted that the NBI has been appealing to President Aquino to appoint a replacement for outgoing NBI Director Nestor Mantaring – someone from the “inside.” However, Gatdula said he was “happy” about his first day in the bureau as his new colleagues have now welcomed his appointment and vowed to work together as a team.

Gatdula told the more than a thousand “men and women of the NBI” he hopes they will be working together. “With your support I can do anything,” he said.

In his speech, Gatdula said the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the NBI are tasked to enforce the laws. He said they cannot be true to their sworn duty as law enforcers if they ignore laws and rules, including small ones such as traffic laws. He said the NBI needs all the help they can get.

“Therefore, I, with your help, will work to expand the areas of coordination and cooperation with the PNP and other law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Enemies of the law are everywhere. They do not tell us when to strike. They, too, have alliances, they, too, help each other,” said Gatdula.

He said the NBI must strengthen their capabilities. He plans to improve the NBI’s information technology communications systems, and the bureau’s mobility. He also plans to strengthen their alliance with other agencies.

“I have discussed some of the aspects that we will be focusing on for the next several days,” said Gatdula.

He said the first is to improve the NBI’s system and procedures.

Another is to focus on facility development, which he noted the bureau had some problems. Another aspect he plans to improve on, will be human resource development.