Manila: Lawyer Melvin Matibag on Friday took oath as the new director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) before Executive Secretary Ralph Recto during a ceremony held at Malaca±an Palace.

According to Philippines News Agency, Matibag's designation was announced by the Palace on Thursday. He had previously served in the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Malaca±ang emphasized that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. considered Matibag's trustworthiness and competence as essential factors in his appointment.

Matibag replaced former NBI Director Jaime Santiago. Prior to Matibag's appointment, Angelito Magno had been serving as the officer-in-charge of the NBI following Santiago's resignation. The Department of Justice (DOJ) welcomed Matibag's appointment, noting the NBI as one of the agencies under the department.

DOJ spokesman Polo Martinez stated, "We welcome Atty. Matibag's appointment and we look forward to working closely with him and the NBI," during a press briefing on Friday. Martinez also mentioned that Magno will be appointed deputy director of the agency.

Magno expressed his gratitude for his tenure as head of the law enforcement agency, stating, "Serving as Director of the National Bureau of Investigation has been both an honor and a profound responsibility."