Palace names new NBI officer-in-charge

FILE: NBI main office at Taft Avenue, Manila. (Photo By Tomenbang/Ursua/Villapando (Wikipedia Takes Manila participant) – Uploaded from Wikipedia Takes Manila, CC BY-SA 3.0)

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) assistant director Eric Distor as officer-in-charge (OIC) of the agency, Malacañang announced on Wednesday.

Distor’s appointment as OIC of the NBI took effect on February 23, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a Palace press briefing.

Distor was tapped to assume the new role after NBI director Dante Gierran reached the mandatory retirement age last week.

“There is a new officer-in-charge of the National Bureau of Investigation following the retirement of Dir. Gierran. It’s Mr. Eric Bito-on Distor,” Panelo said.

Panelo said Distor stays as the temporary head of the NBI until the Office of Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea finds a new replacement.

“(It is) effective February 23, until a replacement is appointed or until otherwise directed by the Office of the Executive Secretary,” he said.

A memorandum from Medialdea’s office said Distor’s new designation was meant to ensure the “continuous and effective delivery of public service.

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Prior to his new assignment, Distor served as NBI assistant director for intelligence service.

He also previously led the NBI Internal Affairs Services.

The NBI, which is under the supervision of the Justice department, is mandated to provide quality investigative and forensic services to the people through advanced methods and equipment in the pursuit of truth and justice, according to its official website.