National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jimmy Santiago has ordered an investigation into the alleged “ghost” flood control projects in areas recently visited by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

In an interview on DZRH's Special on Saturday, Santiago revealed that he had already ordered NBI Deputy Director Antonio Pagatpat to issue a memorandum directing regional directors to begin inquiries on their own initiative.

He explained that the move was motu proprio, done on his own accord, so that the bureau would be prepared should questions be raised by higher authorities.

“Iyang matter na yan, moto proprio. Nag-utos na po ako. Ako po. Nag-utos na po ako kay [NBI] Deputy Director [Antonio] Pagatpat, issue a memorandum doon sa ating mga regional directors,” Santiago said.

"Umpisahan natin doon sa mga binisita ng ating Pangulo, several places in Bulacan, sa Baguio. Umpisahan na natin dyan on our own, mag-imbestiga na tayo, so that dadating na panahon kung tanungin tayo, meron tayo agad maisasagot," he added.

Santiago stressed that the goal was to have findings ready should they later be asked by higher authorities, especially by Marcos and Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.

The chief also clarified that there is no set timeframe for the investigation, but emphasized the NBI’s readiness.

“Wala pong [timeframe] ready lang kami, kung matanong. Kapag biglang sinabi ni Pangulo o ni SOJ [Jesus Crispin Remulla], sir actually mayroon na [data],” he explained.

The NBI chief expressed confidence in his agency’s capabilities, praising the skills and resources of its investigators.

“Magaling po ang mga agent natin [mag-imbestiga], may capability, atsaka pati mga gadgets natin, intelligence gadget talagang ako’y namangha noon dumating ako diyan,” he stated.

“Magaling po ang mga imbestigador natin,” he added.

Santiago assured the public that the NBI is fully capable of carrying out the investigation into the flood control projects.