The head of the country’s premier agency for criminal investigation and law enforcement has given up his post, citing difficulty in fighting the threats right inside his turf.
“Detractors and those who have sinister interest in my position incessantly make moves to besmirch my reputation,” wrote NBI Director Jaime Santiago in his resignation letter dated August 15, 2025 addressed to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.
Until the final week of August, though, Santiago has remained in his post, awaiting the appointment of his successor by the President.
The Department of Justice (DOJ), the supervisor of the NBI, has recommended two names for the role — Justice Undersec. Jesse Andres, current head of the DOJ’s law enforcement cluster, which includes the NBI and Justice Assistant Sec. Eliseo Cruz.
Justice Sec. Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that Santiago will stay on until a successor is officially named, out of respect for his request.
Santiago said his resignation is “irrevocable.”
“I cannot allow this seemingly orchestrated move to blacken my reputation which I molded through the years,” added Santiago, a former trial court judge and decorated police officer in his younger days.
The outspoken NBI chief said there have been covert efforts to discredit him as he launched moves to purge the NBI of corrupt officials, including the abolition of the Special Task Force, as part of his reform agenda.
Last August 6, Santiago abolished the NBI Special Task Force following a controversial raid in Malolos, Bulacan that raised concerns about irregularities.
He confirmed in a radio interview that day that he had ordered the removal of all members of the elite unit, which had been tasked with investigating high-profile cases like illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) operations and scam farms. He cited the need to purge the bureau of “scalawags” and restore integrity to its operations.
Its dismantling was seen by observers as a “bold move,” reflecting Santiago’s broader effort to restore public trust in the NBI.
The move, however, led to tensions within the agency and Santiago believed it may have contributed to the orchestrated smear campaign he cited in his resignation letter.
Earlier in the middle of July, the NBI Special Task Force (STF) was implicated in a controversial raid at a resort in Malolos City, Bulacan.
The raid targeted suspected remnants of illegal POGOs and love scam operations.
The STF allegedly misled the court by providing an incorrect address when applying for a search warrant. The warrant cited Sta. Rita, Pampanga but the actual raid occurred at a resort on Ligas Road, Malolos, Bulacan.
Nine Chinese nationals were arrested and children were reportedly present at the resort during the raid.
Chinese nationals arrested during the raid claimed that personal belongings were confiscated improperly by STF agents. The Chinese Embassy and private lawyers lodged complaints, prompting an internal investigation.
As a former judge and police operative, Santiago said the warrant application appeared deliberately misleading, calling it a form of judicial deception. He expressed outrage over what he described as “katiwalian” (corruption) and emphasized his commitment to internal cleansing.
Political commentators later said the outgoing NBI director painted a picture of internal resistance and possibly systemic corruption in his resignation. While he never directly accused anyone of being part of a “mafia,” his language — “orchestrated,” “sinister,” “covert moves,” and “detractors” — hinted at a shadowy organization.
