2 NBI execs who refused to quit relieved

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has reshuffled key positions in the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), relieving two deputy directors and appointing four new ones.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) yesterday said deputy directors Reynaldo Esmeralda and Ruel Lasala were removed from their posts as head of special investigation and of intelligence services, respectively.

The two had earlier defied Justice Secretary Leila de Lima’s call for them to resign.

Esmeralda and Lasala were replaced by NBI-Ilocos regional director Ricardo Pangan Jr. and Cebu regional director Antonio Pagatpat.

Lasala and Esmeralda were “surprised” by the order, saying they were only informed through media reports.

“We were caught by surprise. We only found out sa media at wala kaming document na natatangap,” Esmeralda said.

The two have yet to receive a formal notice from De Lima’s office. But the press statement released to the media said the order would take effect immediately.

Pangan was appointed deputy director for investigation and Pagatpat as deputy director for financial service.

The President appointed two other deputy directors - Edward Villarta for forensic investigation and Jose Doloiras for intelligence.

Deputy director Rafael Ragos, of the financial service, was designated head of regional operations, which was vacated by now NBI director Virgilio Mendez.

Deputy director for administrative service Edmundo Arugay remains at his post.

Aquino ordered the new appointments upon the recommendation of De Lima, who has administrative supervision over the bureau.

De Lima expressed belief the new development would take the NBI to a higher level of performance and confidence, infuse new blood and inspire the rank and file.

“I believe each change, no matter how difficult and painful, has always been a necessary step toward achieving what is best for the agency, the department, and the nation as a whole,” she said.

The DOJ chief vouched for the competence and integrity of the new NBI officials, noting all four are proof that dedication and honesty are rewarded.

All four new deputy directors - Pangan, Pagatpat, Villarta and Doloiras - rose from the ranks.

Pangan and Villarta are multi-awarded NBI officials.

Pangan has been conferred the top regional agent award, regional office achiever award and Gantimpala Agad award of the Civil Service Commission.

Villarta has received the outstanding case and outstanding patriotic exemplary awards. Pagatpat and Doloiras handled high-profile cases.

Pagatpat handled the investigation of the multimillion- peso scam case of the Sta. Rita resettlement project, while Doloiras was instrumental in the arrest of multibillion-peso investment scam suspect Coco Rasuman.

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. signed the appointment papers for the new deputy directors on March 10.

De Lima did not give any reason for the relief of Esmeralda and Lasala. She merely instructed them to turn over assignments, responsibilities, and accountabilities to the incoming deputy directors.

“They are presidential appointees, hence, they serve at the pleasure of the President. No need to cite a particular reason,” she told journalists.

De Lima last year had urged the NBI deputy directors to resign from their posts out of delicadeza.

She claimed some of the bureau’s deputy directors have trust and integrity issues and figured in alleged irregularities.

Aquino himself questioned the integrity of the unnamed officials who reportedly tipped off alleged “pork” scam brains Janet Lim Napoles about the arrest order issued against her in August last year.

Meanwhile, Esmeralda and Lasala expressed surprise over the reshuffle.             “We only found out from the media and we have not received any document yet,” said Esmeralda.