National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime B. Santiago ordered on Monday, Sept. 30, an overhaul of the bureau's Special Task Force (STF) based on verified reports that one of the agents committed a wrongdoing.
In a statement, the NBI said that Santiago also ordered the suspension of the operations of STF and directed the bureau's Internal Affairs Division to investigate.
It said Director Santiago's actions arose from the Sept. 11 STF operation against a clinic in Makati City that was found operating without any medical license and accredition.
STF operatives arrested during the operation Nguyen Thi Thu Ha and her Filipino cohorts who were identified as Demi Nhor Abelada Robles and Mary Frinces Listones Dalaguite.
“However, information belatedly reached the Office of the Director that one of the members of the team committed an abhorrent deed during the operation. This information should have been reported promptly as it affects not only the operation's credibility but the NBI's reputation,” the bureau said.
After the IAD confirmed that the wrongdoing did happen, the NBI said “the Director himself confronted the agent involved.”
“In his embarrassment, the agent decided to tender his resignation from the service which was accepted by the Director,” it said.
“Knowing that a mere resignation was not enough, the NBI also filed the appropriate criminal charge against the said agent before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Makati City,” it added.
The NBI did not disclose the name of the agent nor his or her alleged offense.
“The filing of cases underscores the policy of non-tolerance for any improper and irregular behavior. This incident, however, exceeds mere impropriety and irregularity by far. It is illegal, unlawful, unethical, gruesome, grotesque and outrightly unacceptable,” said the bureau.
It also said that Santiago "ordered that the selection process for agents and personnel be sterner so that we shall not see nor hear of similar incidents in the future."
At the same time, the NBI said that "Director Santiago urges the NBI leadership, its agents and employees to support him in ensuring that the NBI is free from miscreants and rogue elements.”
"While Director Santiago expressed his full support to the agents and personnel of the NBI who perform their duties satisfactorily, he warned those who use the NBI to advance their depraved agenda that he will leave them no quarters,” it said.
“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,” it added.