Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. named National Bureau of Investigation Assistant Director Lito Magno as the bureau’s Officer-in-Charge, Malacañang said Monday.
In a press briefing at the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit here, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed the changes in the NBI after the president accepted the irrevocable resignation of former NBI chief Jaime Santiago.
Santiago previously submitted his resignation in August 2025 due to “detractors and those who have sinister interests” in his position as the NBI chief.
Magno, a seasoned agent and lawyer, previously served as the Deputy Director for Investigative Services.
He is recognized for his expertise in investigations, information and communications technology, and law enforcement.
In Manila, Santiago confirmed the President’s acceptance of his resignation.
“Today, I was informed that the President has finally accepted my irrevocable resignation. Within the day or in the coming days, the order will be released.
You will soon have a new leader,” he said.
Santiago thanked NBI employees for their support and urged them to continue the work they had started.
He earned the public’s trust for his swift action on the administration’s campaign against cybercrimes and online scams, the arrest of high-profile fugitives, and the crackdown on illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Among the NBI’s accomplishments under his leadership were the arrests of POGO-linked personalities such as Alice Guo, Shiela Guo, and Cassandra Li Ong, as well as expelled Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr.
Santiago was appointed in June 2024 as NBI director, replacing Medardo de Lemos, who retired from government service.
Earlier in his career, Santiago served as a contractual employee at the NBI, later becoming a decorated police officer and sharpshooter in Manila. He went on to work as a prosecutor before being appointed presiding judge of the Regional Trial Courts in Manila, Tagaytay, and Taguig, where he received several commendations.
