A special task force created five months ago to investigate the anomalous flood control projects will be retained, newly appointed National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag said on Monday.

In a media interview during his courtesy call to Department of Justice (DOJ) officials, Matibag said the ongoing pace of the investigation will largely be sustained during his term.

“Well, umaandar naman po ‘yan (that is already ongoing). There’s already an existing task force. Hindi na po natin gagalawin ‘yan (We will not change it),” Matibag said.

“Kung ano pong sistema na nandiyan sa NBI, we will just enhance kung ano po ‘yung umaandar na sistema ngayon. Itutuloy lang po at kung ano ‘yung under investigation tuloy (Whatever system is in place at the NBI, we will just enhance whatever system is currently in place. We will just continue with what is under investigation),” he added.

Matibag, a lawyer, replaced former NBI Director Jaime Santiago.

Prior to Matibag’s appointment, Angelito Magno served as officer-in-charge of the NBI following Santiago’s resignation.

Upon the instruction of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Matibag said he will “uplift the integrity of the bureau.”

“At the same time palakasin po ‘yung laban sa krimen at ‘yun pong ilapit natin sa tao ‘yung ang National Bureau of Investigation. (We will also strengthen the fight against crimes and will bring the NBI closer to the people). If friends, party mates, or allies are involved, they must be held accountable,” he added.

Matibag took his oath as the new NBI director before Executive Secretary Ralph Recto in a ceremony held at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Feb. 20. (PNA)