NBI counterterror chief found dead

MANILA, Philippines — A ranking official of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) was found dead in his office on Monday night.

NBI counterterrorism division chief Raul Manguerra, 49, was found with a gunshot wound in the abdomen minutes after his colleagues heard a gunshot coming from his office, according to initial reports.

NBI director Eric Distor confirmed Manguerra’s death and said that the circumstances surrounding it were being investigated.

NBI deputy director Vicente de Guzman III said he received a text message at past midnight yesterday and immediately ordered the bureau’s Death Investigation Division to conduct the probe.

“We lost a very promising career officer who was dedicated to his work and his service to the country,” De Guzman told The STAR.

Manila Police District homicide investigators rushed to the NBI headquarters but guards prevented them from entering, saying the bureau has assigned a team to investigate.

A source told The STAR that Manguerra was suffering from Stage 3 colon cancer but continued to work in spite of the pain.

Manguerra was responsible for the arrest of at least 39 Abu Sayyaf members, most of them involved in kidnappings in Patikul, Sulu.

The same source said Manguerra was responsible for breaking up several terrorist cells in Metro Manila.