DOJ recommends Andres as acting NBI chief

Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesperson Mico Clavano announced that undersecretary Jesse Andres, head of the Law Enforcement Cluster, is being recommended as acting National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director following Jaime 'Jimmy' Santiago's resignation.

The DOJ has also endorsed Justice Assistant Secretary Eliseo Cruz as the acting officer-in-charge (OIC) for the NBI.

Clavano said that names have been forwarded to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s office for consideration in the acting capacity, while a permanent replacement is still being deliberated upon.

Santiago tendered his resignation effective immediately upon appointment of his reliever last week, citing detractors and those with sinister interests who have made moves to besmirch his reputation.

Clavano emphasized that the DOJ was 'shocked' and 'saddened' by Santiago's decision and noted that unsubstantiated allegations against him will not warrant an investigation unless supported by evidence.