Mantaring denies blocking Bulaong’s appointment to NBI

Newly appointed National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Nestor Mantaring denied yesterday talks that he is trying to block the appointment of retired Manila police director Chief Superintendent Pedro Bulaong as deputy director.

Mantaring denied allegations that he was in a hurry to put to fill in his recommendees in the position and block Bulaong’s possible appointment to the NBI.

Mantaring, however, admitted submitting his personal choices to President Arroyo.

Among those being eyed for the position include lawyers Alejandro Tenerife, officer-in-charge of the NBI’s Office of Assistant Director; Deputy Director for Administrative Services (DDAS) Rickson Chiong, and Deputy Director for Special Investigation Services Victor Bessat.

Mantaring said he submitted the names of the three NBI officials to Mrs. Arroyo through the Department of Justice (DOJ) last Aug. 15.

"It was only natural that I submit names for a position that is vacant, I have to recommend somebody to the position. I recommended three names and they are all senior officials, all deputy directors," he said.

Bulaong is reportedly eyeing the post of assistant director and would soon be joining the bureau.

Mantaring, who recently took his oath before Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez as the 17th NBI director, noted the general sentiments in the NBI were in favor of an insider as deputy director.

Some 20 NBI personnel sent a "thank you" letter to President Arroyo for appointing Mantaring.

They also inserted a plea to select a seasoned NBI official to become their next assistant director.

The letter was signed by 27 bureau officials, including the three top contenders for the post.

Mantaring said he included Tenerife in his endorsement although noting he is set to retire in October.

Apart from Tenerife, another deputy director, Fermin Nasul of Regional Operations Service, is also set to retire this year.

But Mantaring said he has not yet made any recommendation for their replacements.