President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is set to appoint former Duterte ally Atty. Melvin Matibag as the new Director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), replacing Atty. Angelito Magno, Malacañang confirmed on Thursday.

During a press conference, Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro said Marcos has full confidence in Matibag’s capability to lead the NBI.

“Nandoon po 'yung tiwala. Nakitaan po niya [Pres. Marcos] si Atty. Melvin Matibag na maari pagtiwalaan. Maaaring magtrabaho para sa gobyerno,” Castro said, however, there is no reason given to her as regards Matibag's appointment.

Meanwhile, the NBI has yet to comment on the recent change in leadership within the agency. The media are trying to obtain statements from acting Director Lito Magno and NBI spokesperson Palmer Mallari.

Magno has been serving as acting director for just over two months, following his appointment by Marcos in December 2025.

Matibag previously served as Cabinet Secretary under former President Rodrigo Duterte. He was also the secretary general of PDP-Laban, the political party associated with Duterte, before resigning from the post in 2023.