NBI denies massive layoff in rationalization plan

Nonnatus Caesar Rojas

MANILA, Philippines—National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Nonnatus Rojas on Wednesday denied reports of a massive layoff with the approval of the NBI’s rationalization plan.

“There are no layoffs. NBI personnel covered by the Rationalization Plan may retire early with bigger incentives than the usual retirement, be assigned to other government agencies specifically within the Department of Justice or stay on in the NBI until the position is vacated when they retire, transferred or leave the office,” Rojas said.

Rojas said that in order to streamline and make the organization more dynamic, personnel may be reassigned to other divisions of the NBI where they may be needed without diminution of salaries or benefits.

Earlier, Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said the rationalization plan seeks to strengthen the body’s investigative service using science and technology in crime fighting.

The rationalization plan will also include the dissolution of several offices which include the Death Investigation Division; Anti-Terrorism Unit; Special Task Force; and Reaction, Arrest and Interdiction Division.