NBI exec met with Napoles before her arrest, says former official

By: Julliane Love De Jesus, Tetch Torres-Tupas - 11 years ago

Sacked National Bureau of Investigation deputy directors Reynaldo Esmeralda and Ruel Lasala. Julliane Love De Jesus/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines – Two ranking officials of the National Bureau of Investigation close to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima allegedly have connections with Janet Lim-Napoles.

Reynaldo Esmeralda, former NBI deputy director, revealed Friday that they have the names of two NBI officials who met with Napoles prior to the dismissal ‎of her serious illegal detention charges.

Esmeralda, who was recently relieved from his post, told reporters that these officials met with Napoles in a five-star hotel and in a restaurant.

He said the officials would be named at the “proper time”.

Esmeralda denied accusations that he was among the NBI officials who tipped off Napoles with her impending arrest.

He said one of the Napoles’ alleged connection was an incumbent NBI official while the other was no longer serving at the NBI.

He said he was ready to identify the two before the Senate.