Matibag takes helm at NBI

Lawyer and DAILY TRIBUNE columnist Melvin Matibag was formally sworn in as director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday afternoon.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto administered the oath of office to Matibag at Malacañang, marking his official assumption of the post.

Matibag expressed his gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for entrusting him with the leadership of the NBI.

“Honored and humbled to accept my appointment as director of the National Bureau of Investigation.

I extend my sincere gratitude to President Bongbong Marcos for the trust and confidence,” Matibag said in a Facebook post.

“I am committed to leading with nobility, bravery and integrity, strengthening our fight against crime, including cybercrime, and bringing the bureau closer to the Filipino people,” he added.

Matibag said a formal turnover ceremony will take place on Monday, 23 February, at the NBI headquarters to signal the start of his job of running the country’s premier investigative agency under the Department of Justice.

He replaced officer-in-charge Lito Magno who was promoted to Director IV.

Despite being a close ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, Palace press officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro earlier said Matibag had the President’s trust.

One of Matibag’s tasks is to focus on rising cybercrime rates, among other things.

Gov’t eyes boosting cybersecurity

Meanwhile, Castro said the government is stepping up efforts to combat cyberattacks and curb the spread of misinformation, particularly by strengthening its cybersecurity partnerships with countries like Canada and Japan.

Castro said that evolving cyber threats — including state-sponsored attacks, espionage, ransomware, and critical infrastructure risks — require continuous international cooperation to better protect the nation and its citizens.

“The situation is deteriorating, particularly with the spread of misinformation, which is being exploited and leaving innocent citizens as its victims,” Castro said.