Photo credit: PCO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has selected retired judge Jaime Santiago as the new director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Santiago, who took his oath of office before Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Friday morning, brings a wealth of experience to his new role.

Santiago, a distinguished law enforcement veteran, began his career at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Western Police District, where he served from 1979 to 2000. His tenure included notable contributions as a member of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, earning recognition that was even immortalized in a 1996 Filipino biographical action film.

Beyond his police service, Santiago has contributed significantly to legal education, having served as a Criminal Law professor at several prominent institutions. His judicial career includes acting as executive/presiding judge at Regional Trial Courts (RTCs) in Manila and Tagaytay, as well as a former Metropolitan Trial Court (MeTC) judge in Manila City.

Moreover, Santiago's accolades include being named one of the 10 Outstanding Policemen of the Philippines (TOPP) by the Philippine Jaycees in 2009 and receiving recognition as an Outstanding Criminologist by the Professional Regulation Commission in 2012.