Villarta named NBI deputy director

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Justice Secretary Leila De Lima appointed Atty. Edward Villarta as the new Deputy Director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) based on Department Order 881 issued Thursday.

Villarta was the head of the NBI’s South Eastern Mindanao Regional Office (NBI-SEMRO). He replaced Deputy Director for Technical Service Rickson Chiong who retired early this month.

Taking over Villarta’s post as officer in charge is head agent Dante Gierran.

Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said the appointment of Villarta is the start of the NBI revamp.

She, however, refused to give more details on how many more deputy directors will be replaced.