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Helen Flores - The Philippine Star
February 22, 2026 | 12:00am
Atty. Melvin Matibag takes his oath before Executive Secretary Ralph Recto as the new director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) at Malacañang on February 20, 2026.
Photos courtesy of the Office of the Executive Secretary
MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos directed newly appointed National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director Melvin Matibag to make the agency a stronger instrument of stopping crime, attaining justice, securing peace and guarding the national interest.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said he conveyed the President’s directive to Matibag, who formally assumed the post on Friday.
In a statement yesterday, Recto said he is confident that Matibag, who had served under the Duterte administration, would not only live up to his oath as NBI chief but also to the high standard of service required of its leader.
“I say this with confidence because he brings with him experience in equally challenging government jobs he performed in the past, with distinction and dedication,” he said.
“Added to this is his deep respect for and knowledge of the law, the faithful observance of which is an NBI hallmark, the reason why it remains esteemed as an effective crimefighting unit,” Recto said.
Matibag previously served as Cabinet secretary under former president Rodrigo Duterte.
He was also the secretary-general of PDP-Laban, the political party of Duterte, whose family is now at odds with the Marcos administration.
Matibag resigned as the party’s secretary-general in 2023.
Recto, meanwhile, expressed appreciation to Lito Magno, who served as NBI’s officer-in-charge since October last year following the resignation of former director Jaime Santiago.
“As we wish director Matibag good luck on his new calling, we would like to thank director Lito Magno for his service, which he rendered with integrity, and will continue to do so, in the finest NBI tradition,” he said.
