NBI Director hails Koko as father of modern NBI

Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III on Monday joined the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in its flag-raising ceremony at its headquarters in Manila.

In his message, NBI Director Dante Gierran referred to Pimentel as "the father of the modernized NBI" for his role in passing Republic Act No. 10867, or the NBI Modernization and Reorganization Act, during his time as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights.

"A strong justice system requires a modern, capable, and professional law enforcement agency", said Pimentel during his speech.

Pimentel praised the NBI for the great strides it has made after the passage of the law.

The senator singled out the much-improved process of securing an NBI clearance, which significantly reduced the time Filipinos have to spend to get this important document.

Pimentel also lauded the NBI's contributions to the war on drugs, in the war against human trafficking, and in enforcing the country's laws on intellectual property.

As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship, Pimentel reaffirmed his faith in the NBI's ability to enforce the country's laws on finance, economics, and cybercrime.

The former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights said, "I will ensure that the NBI is well-supported."

Pimentel pledged to continue supporting the NBI, the agency he entrusted with the case of Dr. Ricardo Enriquez Rotoras, the murdered President of the University of Science and Technology of the Southern Philippines, and the hacking case reported in one of the Senate's units.

"The nobility, bravery, and integrity of NBI agents will carry the day", said Pimentel.