Eight NBI agents on floating status amid Tarlac extortion probe

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director Melvin Matibag issued a public appeal Monday for victims and witnesses to come forward with evidence against eight agency personnel relieved from the Tarlac District Office following extortion and sexual harassment allegations.

Speaking at a news conference at NBI headquarters, Matibag confirmed that the district chief and seven operatives were relieved of their duties and placed on floating status pending the outcome of an internal administrative and criminal investigation.

“We are appealing to the public, especially those who were victims,” Matibag said. “If you have information that will aid in the investigation, we welcome that information so we can use it to properly resolve this case concerning the personnel of the Tarlac District Office.”

The administrative action stems from a raid conducted by Tarlac District Office agents against a local beauty clinic under the pretext that the establishment was unlawfully administering cosmetic injections.

Investigation records later revealed that the clinic was operating as a legitimate small business.

Following the raid, clinic staff filed complaints alleging that the raiding team engaged in extortion demands and sexual harassment against personnel on site.

Bureau leadership confirmed that a fresh contingent of investigators has been deployed to assume operations at the Tarlac District Office while the relieved agents remain restricted to bureau headquarters in Pasay City.