Santiago backs Senate probe into alleged NBI anomalies

MANILA, Philippines — Saying it would give the public an opportunity to know the truth, resigned National Bureau of Investigation chief Jaime Santiago yesterday welcomed a proposed Senate inquiry into alleged anomalies in the NBI.

Santiago expressed support for Senate Resolution 81 filed by Sen. Imee Marcos on Aug. 19, directing the appropriate committee to look into reports of corruption in the NBI.

“That is OK with me, so that the public can see the truth about what happened in the POGO raids conducted by the NBI,” Santiago told The STAR.

Asked if he is ready to face the Senate, Santiago said, “I will explain the reported irregularities that do not exist.”

The Senate resolution specifically cited reports of illegal searches and seizures, the misuse of seized items as well as unlawful detention allegedly involving NBI officials.

The measure also recalled two separate letters addressed to Santiago earlier this year: one alleging that the NBI Cybercrime Division demanded P3 million for the release of several suspects arrested in a raid on June 5.

The second letter claimed that the NBI Special Task Force illegally detained a Chinese national and other suspects in July, based on a search warrant that was later declared non-existent.

The resolution likewise noted reports that vehicles seized in NBI operations had been used by agents instead of being preserved as court evidence, with some allegedly sold through deeds of sale to bureau officials.

Marcos said the Senate should look into the extent of the alleged corrupt practices in the NBI, identify those responsible and introduce reforms to strengthen accountability and efficiency in the bureau.

Santiago resigned on Aug. 15, over a year after he was appointed NBI chief by President Marcos in June 2024.