Santiago bids farewell to NBI

MANILA, Philippines — From a 19-year-old record checker to the head of the country’s top investigative agency, retired judge Jaime Santiago yesterday looked back on his decades-long career in public service as he formally turned over the leadership of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to officer-in-charge Angelito Magno.

During the turnover ceremony at the NBI headquarters in Pasay, Santiago reflected on his humble beginnings, recalling how his journey began long before he became NBI director.

“They said I was an outsider, but not really,” Santiago said. “I started as a record checker when I was 19 years old. After three years, I wasn’t made regular so I joined the police force, studied law, became a prosecutor, then a judge and eventually retired from the judiciary.”

Santiago said he thought his time in government service had ended after retirement, until he was appointed NBI chief by President Marcos in June 2024.

“I thought it was over,” he said. “Then I was suddenly given the chance. The very dream I had, the institution I admired, was offered to me. Even at my age, I grabbed the opportunity to serve the people through the NBI.”

Santiago resigned in August, citing efforts by alleged detractors who had “sinister interests” in his position.

Despite the brief tenure, he said he was proud to have led the NBI with fairness and integrity.

Santiago urged Magno to remain objective in carrying out his duties.

Magno, for his part, vowed to strengthen public trust in the NBI.

“We will sustain our ongoing investigations to ensure that the pursuit of truth is never interrupted by fear or favor,” Magno said. “We will modernize the bureau through training, technology and teamwork.”

Magno, a 33-year NBI veteran who began as a project worker in 1991, took over as OIC following Santiago’s resignation.