NBI files complaint vs. ex-agent over ‘abhorrent deed’ during ops

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed a complaint against a former agent over an “abhorrent deed” committed during an operation, the bureau announced Monday.

According to the NBI, the complaint was filed before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Makati City.

“The filing of cases underscores the policy of non-tolerance for any improper and irregular behavior," the NBI said in a statement.

"This incident, however, exceeds mere impropriety and irregularity by far. It is illegal, unlawful, unethical, gruesome, grotesque and outrightly unacceptable,” it added.

GMA News Online has reached out to the NBI for more information on the matter.

The NBI said the deed was committed during the operation of the NBI special task force (STF) in Makati City on September 11, which led to the arrest of a foreign national and her two Filipino cohorts.

It said information regarding the deed belatedly reached NBI Director Jaime Santiago.

Following this, Santiago ordered the Internal Affairs Division to conduct an investigation. Santiago also issued an order prohibiting the STF from conducting any further operation.

He later confronted the agent involved, who the NBI said tendered his resignation from service in his embarrassment. 

Meanwhile, Santiago also ordered an overhaul of the STF.

According to the NBI, the STF acts on cases involving national security or interest and those referred by the Office of the President and the Office of the Secretary of Justice. It also acts on cases assigned by the NBI director.

The NBI said that Santiago ordered a sterner selection process for agents and personnel to avoid similar incidents in the future.

“The Director stresses that as long as he leads the NBI, we will not deviate from our commitment to law and justice, regardless if the destructive forces are from within or without,” the NBI said.

Santiago also urged NBI employees to support him in ensuring that the bureau is free from rogue elements. — BM, GMA Integrated News