DOJ bars NBI from conducting anti-drug operations

MANILA, Philippines - Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) are now prohibited from conducting anti-illegal drug operations under a memorandum order issued by Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II yesterday.

Aguirre issued the memorandum following the order of President Duterte for the NBI to stop conducting operations against illegal drugs.

Duterte on Thursday expressed his mistrust in the NBI and the Philippine National Police (PNP), saying both agencies that led his war against drugs have been compromised by corruption.

Aguirre took the cue from the President’s statements and issued the memorandum to the NBI to indefinitely suspend all its anti-illegal drug operations.

“In compliance with the earlier pronouncement of President Duterte, I have signed Memorandum Circular No. 005, placing Department Order No. 554, dated Aug. 25, 2016, in a state of indefinite suspension. Consequently, the authority of the NBI to investigate and to conduct build up of cases falling under Republic Act No. 9165 is held in abeyance until further notice,” Aguirre said.

He said the NBI should focus more on its other law enforcement functions.

“The DOJ and the NBI will now focus its energy and resource in waging war against corruption and in waging war against criminality,” Aguirre said.

Aguirre relieved four high-ranking NBI officials after they were linked to the kidnap-slay of South Korean businessman Jee Ick-joo.

This came after Supt. Rafael Dumlao III, who is among the police officials implicated in the crime, revealed the NBI’s involvement in the slaying of the South Korean businessman.