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Friday, June 30, 2006
Justice head intervenes in probe bureau feud
JUSTICE Secretary Raul Gonzalez Sr. on Thursday ordered embattled National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) acting Director Nestor Mantaring to explain allegations of incompetence lodged by a group of employees who had previously endorsed his appointment.
In a press briefing following his meeting with Mantaring, Gonzalez ordered him to submit a report on what transpired that prompted the NBI Investigators Mutual Benefit Association Inc. (Nimbai) to withdraw its support for his appointment as full-fledged director of the bureau.
The Nimbai has a membership of about 90 percent of the entire bureau with members from the division directors to rank-and-file employees. They earlier submitted a manifestation of support to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for Mantaring's appointment saying that they do not want another outsider to head the elite investigation bureau.
"We'll look into that. I want him to submit a factual report so that we can discuss (the grievances of the employees)," he said.
Gonzalez chastised the complaining employees that their withdrawal of support to Mantaring was merely as a result of Mantaring's order of reshuffle in the NBI, a move that was immediately rejected by some ranking officials of the bureau.
"That is a breach of discipline unless they have a valid reason. You do not complain by first announcing your withdrawal of support, that is unethical. I want that investigated, that is not good for discipline; if you're a soldier assigned to Mindanao, I don't think you can refuse," he said.
He further claimed that the information he gathered showed that some ranking officials of the NBI association issued a resolution but also without consulting the rank-and-file membership who, Gonzalez said, are now disowning the resolution.
While saying that Mantaring may only be exercising his prerogatives as head of the bureau, Gonzalez said he is prepared to let go of him if the clamor for him to step down continues.
"Whatever it is, it will definitely affect their morale. That is what we want not to happen. If he's (Mantaring) really unacceptable, why should we be very protecttve of him? This may result in the breakdown of operations," he said.
After Mantaring has submitted his report, Gonzalez said he might order a revamp within the bureau himself but he said the plan should be studied carefully to avoid a situation wherein disgruntled officials might be tempted to "sabotage" the affairs of the bureau and embarrass the head of the NBI.
Gonzalez said he will be supportive of Mantaring, "until I am convinced that he does not deserve the position. It's the national interest that is my concern; the personalities are secondary."
In a three-page resolution, the Nimbai recalled its support to Mantaring, citing his alleged failure to meet the association's expectations to unite and improve the bureau.
Mantaring was appointed in an acting capacity in the NBI through a previous resolution filed by the association in December 23 of last year, endorsing him as the director of the NBI to fill up the vacancy left by the sudden death of NBI Director Reynaldo Wycoco.
Mantaring was said to have issued "orders that tend to divide, punish, degrade, and displace operatives for no apparent reason." They further claimed that from the time he was appointed acting director until the present, Mantaring has expressed due regard only to the selected few perceived to be his supporters.
Among other reasons stated were Mataring's alleged vindictive tendencies to get even with agents and special investigators and withdrawal of permit to carry/mission orders for the possession of adequate and sufficient firearms of operatives.
Meanwhile, Presidential chief of staff Michael Defensor said Mantaring is expected to report on the issue but the concerned parties have been told not to debate in media.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the resolution would be forwarded to President Arroyo after she has determined the reason for the withdrawal of support from Mantaring. (ECV/JMR/Sunnex)
(June 30, 2006 issue)
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