Letter to the Editor – The prospective NBI Director

While the investigative agency is still mourning the untimely passing away of its director, talks about the next NBI Director position heat up. It is certain that some position-lobbyists are again crawling like hungry rats trying to get access to the President's well-guarded kitchen.

For the first time, the media, military and police establishments, and even a lot of private citizens like this writer, seem to be in unison on who is the most qualified to be the next NBI Director - Rey Berroya of LTO.

As a former PC Officer, this writer has been a witness to the growth in the establishment of officers like Rey Berroya, Art Lomibao, Vidal Querol, Sonny Razon, Pol Bataoil, Willy Dulay, Raul Bacalzo, etc. and how each one's work was similar. These policemen, all outstanding generals, have one thing in common. They are all smooth operators, silent workers and are not the type who lobby for assignments or positions. They are plain professional public servants, friendly, compassionate and most of all, have no political ambitions.

The subject of these talks, Gen. Berroya, is the most logical choice. His integrity and qualifications cannot be undermined. While he could have been an easy choice for the top post of PNP due to his ability, experience, qualifications, and seniority, he never lobbied for the job. That is why the politically-inclined and less qualified Gen. Aglipay got it instead. It's difficult for one person to be under someone who is way more junior and less qualified like Gen. Aglipay, but Gen. Berroya never protested the wisdom of the President's prerogative to appoint

Aglipay. Such is a good follower and public servant.

What the country needs for an NBI Director is someone who is experienced, fair, just, compassionate, service-oriented, pro-life, hardworking and professional public servant. Gen. Berroya fits all these traits perfectly. If there is one big benefit from Gen. Berroya's appointment other than doing a better job as NBI Director, it is his charisma and ability to heal the wounds between the PNP and the NBI, which has been a big problem in our law enforcement's investigations. Most of the time, these two agencies come up with conflicting opinions so that instead of two government institutions cooperating with each other to solve a common problem, they become protagonists in court, instead.

Based from conversations with personnel from both agencies, it is confirmed that Gen. Berroya has the respect and support from both establishments. Under NBI Director Berroya, we could foresee, for the first time since martial law, a smooth working cooperation between the NBI, PNP and the military establishments.

Ramoncito B. Piaña
Foreign Correspondent
Philippines Free Press
Guam