A UST philosophy alumnus has assumed office as officer in charge of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Former assistant director Angelito “Lito” Magno was appointed temporary head of NBI, replacing Jaime Santiago, on Oct. 27.
“We will sustain our ongoing investigation and reforms, ensuring that the pursuit of truth is never interrupted by fear or favor,” Magno said during the turnover ceremony.
He added: “We will advance the digital justice initiative to modernize case management and forensic processes. We will strengthen the NBI Academy of Excellence to raise not only competent but also compassionate investigators.”
Magno graduated from the University with a degree in Philosophy and obtained his law degree from the University of San Carlos in Cebu City. He passed the bar exams in 2001.
His NBI career began in the early 1990s as a special investigator, moving quickly into frontline operations within units like the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force and the NBI Special Action Unit.
Magno led the investigation into a P3.8-billion drug bust in Pampanga, the MT Princess Empress oil spill, and the Socorro Bayanihan child exploitation network.
He also spearheaded the arrest of former Bamban mayor Alice Guo in Indonesia, worked on the case of Australian pedophile Peter Scully, one of the world’s most notorious pedophiles, and was involved in the 2010 probe that resulted in the shootout with Jason Ivler.
Magno served as regional director in five offices: Ilocos, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Northern Mindanao and Soccsksargen.
Santiago resigned in August, citing mudslinging and “incessant moves” from “detractors and those who have sinister interest” in his position.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that the president had accepted Santiago’s resignation and named Magno the temporary head of the agency during a media briefing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
