MANILA, Philippines — The association of former National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) personnel has appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., to select the next director from within the bureau's current leadership.

This comes following the sudden resignation of NBI Director Jaime Santiago and the subsequent appointment of Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres as acting director.

Retired NBI agents urge Marcos to appoint career official to replace Santiago

The request was detailed in an Aug. 28, 2025 letter sent to Malacañang Palace by the NBI Retirees and Ex-Employees Association Inc., which represents several hundred former agents and employees. The communication was channeled through Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla., This news data comes from:http://lhb-fxp-ohc-gk.gyglfs.com

The group's president, Ricardo Diaz, said that appointing a permanent director from within the NBI's ranks was crucial for the bureau's stability, particularly after the recent leadership changes.

Diaz emphasized that this move aligned with the spirit of Republic Act 10867, the National Bureau of Investigation Reorganization and Modernization Act of 2016, which was enacted to professionalize the bureau.

Retired NBI agents urge Marcos to appoint career official to replace Santiago

The appeal comes as Undersecretary Andres assumes temporary leadership of the NBI. The retirees' group is advocating for a permanent appointment from within the bureau's career officials rather than maintaining an acting director from outside the organization.

The letter specifically endorsed Deputy Director Jose Justo Yap, a CPA-Lawyer with 35 years of continuous service described as having unquestionable integrity and competence, and Deputy Director Antonio Pagatpat, a lawyer also with 35 years of service and excellent performance.

Diaz described both officials as esteemed career officials who possess all the qualifications and have dedicated themselves in the service of the NBI with unwavering integrity and commitment.

The appeal from the retirees' association carries significant weight, as its members include former high-ranking officials and judges.