Taking cue from President Duterte pronouncements, Department of Justice (DoJ) Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II barred yesterday the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) from conducting anti-illegal drug operations and investigation.
Aguirre, however, said the NBI will continue its activities against crime and corruption.
“The DoJ and the NBI will now focus its energy and resources in waging war against corruption and in waging war against criminality,” he said in a statement.
Aguirre issued Memorandum Circular No. 005 addressed to NBI Director Dante Gierran informing him of the temporary suspension of NBI’s duty to enforce the country’s anti-narcotics laws.
“In line with the President’s pronouncements during his speech at the National Convention of Philippine Association of Water Districts in Davao City on 02 February 2017 that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) cease from carrying out anti-illegal drugs operations, Department Order No. 554 dated 25 August 2016 is hereby indefinitely suspended,” read Aguirre’s memorandum.
With this, Aguirre said the ability of the NBI “to conduct investigation and case build-up for violations of Republic Act No. 9165 otherwise known as “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002”, is hereby held in abeyance until further orders.”
He told Gierran that the “Memorandum Circular shall take effect immediately and shall remain in force until revoked.”
Just last Thursday, Duterte expressed his lack of trust on the NBI due to the alleged involvement of some of persons from the bureau in the kidnap-slay of Korean Jee Ick Joo.
“The Bureau is suspended from imposing drug laws. Sali kayo. Nawalan na ako ng tiwala sa inyo,” Duterte said during the National Convention of Philippine Association of Water Districts in Davao City.
Duterte also reminded Gierran that he appointed him because the latter promised that he can kill erring NBI agents.
“I will hold him responsible for his statement. Whether he really kills them or not, that is not my problem,” the President said.
Meanwhile, relieved NBI National Capital Region (NBI-NCR) chief Rick Diaz expressed confidence that he and his fellow officials will be cleared of their alleged involvement in the kidnap-slay of Korean Jee Ick Joo.
Diaz welcomed his relief and that of other NBI officials while two teams from the bureau and the Philippine National Police (PNP) continue their investigation in the case.
“We were temporarily relieved from our positions to give way to the investigation of the NBI-PNP joint team. We welcome the move,” he said in a statement.
Gierran had ordered the relief of Diaz and other officials of the bureau following serious allegations raised by one of the suspects in the case, Superintendent Rafael Dumlao III of the now defunct Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (AIDG) of the PNP, that NBI officials were also involved in the kidnap-slay.
“We know we will be vindicated and truth will prevail over the lies of Supt. Raphael Dumlao,” said Diaz.
(JEFFREY G. DAMICOG)
