OVERVIEW
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) saw its inception on November 13, 1936 upon approval of Commonwealth Act No. 181 by the legislature. Quezon and Jose Yulo, then Secretary of Justice. Tasked with organizing a Division of Investigation or DI patterned after the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation were Thomas Dugan, a veteran American police captain from the New York P
olice Department and Flaviano C. Guerrero, the only Filipino member of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation. On the basis of stiff physical, mental, and moral standards, 45 men were selected as agents from among 300 applicants. To complement this investigative force was a civilian staff composed of doctors, chemists, fingerprint technicians, photographers, stenographers, and clerks. During the Japanese occupation, the DI was affiliated with the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Philippine Constabulary known as the Bureau of Investigation (BI). Subsequently, during the post-liberation period, all available DI agents were recruited by the US Army CIC as investigators. Since then, the Bureau assumed an increasingly significant role. Thus, on June 19, 1947, by virtue of Republic Act No. 157, it was reorganized into the Bureau of Investigation. Later, it was amended by Executive Order No. 94 issued on October 4, 1947 renaming it to what it is presently known, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Its Objectives
The main objective of the National Bureau of Investigation is the establishment and maintenance of a modern, effective and efficient investigative service and research agency for the purpose of implementing fully principal functions provided under Republic Act No. 157, as amended. Its Vision
A world-class investigative institution – dynamic, respected and committed to the high ideals of law and order. Its Mission
To provide quality investigative and forensic services to the people through advanced methods and equipment in the pursuit of truth and justice. Functions
Under its enabling law, Republic Act 157, as amended, the NBI is empowered to:
- investigate crimes and other offenses against the laws of the Philippines, both on its own initiative and as public interest may require;
assist, when officially requested in the investigation or detection of crimes and other offenses;
- act as national clearing house of criminal records and other information for use of all prosecuting and law enforcement entities in
the Philippines, of identification records of identifying marks, characteristics and ownership or possession of all fi****ms and test bullets fired therefrom;
-give technical help to all prosecuting and law enforcement offices, agencies of the government, and courts which may ask for its services;
extend its services in the investigation of cases of administrative or civil in nature in which the government is interested;
-establish and maintain an up-to-date scientific crime laboratory and conduct researches in furtherance of scientific knowledge in criminal investigation;
-coordinate with other national or local agencies in the maintenance of peace and order;
-undertake the instruction and training of a representative number of city and municipal peace officers at the request of their respective superiors along effective methods of crime investigation and detection in order to insure greater efficiency in the discharge of their duties. Organizational Structure/Jurisdiction
The NBI is a government entity that is civilian in character, and national in scope which is under the Department of Justice. It is headed by a director and with an assistant director and six (6) deputy-directors for — Special Investigation Services (SIS); Regional Operations Services (ROS); Intelligence Services (IS); Technical Services (TS); Administrative Services (AS); and Comptroller Services (CS). The “Two Pillar- Rule”
To keep the standard of professionalism in the investigation of cases, thoroughness and legality has always been adhered to by the NBI. The legality of the Bureau’s activity is assured by its legal and Evaluation Division, which is tasked with providing legal counsel to the Director, legal services to the Bureau, evaluate the investigation reports of the agents, and conduct legal researches and studies. Circumstances under which the NBI may be contacted
When a crime has been committed or is about to be committed, any aggrieved person may seek NBI assistance. Any person possessing valuable information in connection with any violation of Philippine laws is welcome at any NBI office if he is willing furnish the Bureau with said information. Those who may wish to file their complaints in Manila, may go directly to the NBI Complaints and Recording Division (CRD) and file his/her complaint under oath. Walk-in complainants in field offices may see the chief or any agent thereat, for purposes of filing his/her complaint. When the aggrieved party cannot personally undertake this, a letter addressed to the NBI Director containing the said complaint shall suffice. The NBI in some instances, may be called to attend to criminal cases already under investigation by the local police. However, the requesting party or aggrieved party shall so state in the complaint dissatisfaction over the handling of the case, and/or upon directive from higher authorities. All forms of assistance extended by the NBI to other government institutions as well as to the private sector are ABSOLUTELY FREE. Quality Policy
With our exemplary leadership and dedicated employees, the National Bureau of Investigation shall consistently ensure customers satisfaction through:
- Timely delivery of service to our clients;
- Assurance that applicable requirements, both local and international standards, are met; and
- Advocacy for innovation and continual enhancement of our quality system.
