National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime B. Santiago has reclassified 76 special investigators to the position of Investigation Agent III, a move the agency hailed as a milestone.

The reclassification, from Special Investigator III (Salary Grade 18) to Investigation Agent III (Salary Grade 22), affects investigators who have served the bureau for an extended period.

“Under the NBI Modernization law, once an SI retires, the item shall be considered dissolved. That’s the reason why I requested and pleaded that these SI be reclassified to Agent III, and the Department of Budget and Management and Civil Service Commission approved the request,” Santiago said in Filipino.

The reclassification is retroactive to 1 July 2024, in accordance with Section 3 of Republic Act 10867 or the National Bureau of Investigation Reorganization and Modernization Act. The agents will receive back wages as a result.

“Now that they are eligible for promotion, it is time for them to perform in order that they be promoted to higher positions,” Santiago said.