The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is one of the most trusted law enforcement agencies in the Philippines. It works under the Department of Justice (DOJ) and is in charge of investigating serious crimes, gathering intelligence and helping other law enforcement agencies with technical support across the country.
To do its job well the NBI follows a clear Structure of NBI Philippines that divides its work into main departments, specialized investigative units and support services. This setup helps the agency work efficiently, solve crimes faster and serve the public better.
Key Departments of NBI and Their Functions
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Investigative Services
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Intelligence Services
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Forensic Services
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Legal Services
The NBI’s structure is made to ensure teamwork, expertise and professionalism. Each department has a special role that helps the agency to fulfill its mission to protect justice and national security.
1. Investigative Services
This is the main department of the NBI and it work as its operational core. It handles many kinds of criminal cases such as fraud, murder, kidnapping and corruption.
Agents in this department collect evidence, witnesses and work with other law enforcement agencies to make sure criminals are caught and brought to justice.
2. Intelligence Services
The work of the Intelligence Services department is to focuses on finding and studying information about crimes and possible threats. Its goal is to prevent crimes before they happen.
The agents of this division also works with the Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to share important information that helps keep the country safe.
3. Forensic Services
The work of the Forensic Services department is scientific and technical help during investigations.
Agents of this department do fingerprint matching, DNA testing, ballistics (gun evidence) checks and digital forensics. Their work helps ensure that all investigations are supported by solid scientific proof.
4. Legal Services
The Legal Services division provides legal advice and support to the NBI. It makes sure all investigations, arrests and reports follow the law.
This department also represents the NBI in court, prepares legal documents and ensures that the Bureau’s actions are fair and lawful.
Administrative and Support Services in NBI
The NBI also has several administrative and support offices that help the organization work smoothly and efficiently every day. These offices make sure that all operations from hiring staff to managing technology also run properly and safely.
1. Human Resources
Human Resources (HR) section takes care of recruiting, training and guiding NBI employees. It helps agents and staff grow in their careers and ensures that everyone meets the high standards of honesty and professionalism expected in the Bureau.
2. Finance and Budget
The Finance and Budget office handles all the money matters of the NBI such as salaries, expenses and fund distribution. It makes sure that every peso is spent properly and transparently, following government auditing rules.
3. Information Technology (IT)
The Information Technology (IT) division manages the NBI’s computers, databases and online systems including the NBI Clearance System. As cyber threats continue to grow this department works to protect the NBI’s data, maintain secure systems and make sure that citizens can easily access online NBI services anytime.
Specialized Units and Their Roles According To Structure of NBI
NBI also has several specialized divisions that deal with new types of crimes and important national issues. These units focus on solving complex cases that require special skills and knowledge.
1. Cybercrime Division
Cybercrime Division investigates crimes done using computers or the internet such as online scams, hacking and identity theft. It works together with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and international partners to track down and arrest digital criminals.
2. Anti-Human Trafficking Division (AHTD)
Anti-Human Trafficking Division fights against modern slavery including sexual exploitation and illegal recruitment.
This unit helps rescue victims, catch traffickers and file criminal cases under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act to protect vulnerable individuals.
3. Environmental Crimes Division
Environmental Crimes Division handles cases that break environmental laws such as illegal logging, wildlife trading and pollution. It is work to help the government protect natural resources and promote a cleaner, safer and more sustainable environment for everyone.
Positions within the NBI Bureau
What Is the Highest Position in NBI?
The highest position in the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is the Director.
The NBI Director is in charge of leading the entire agency including all departments and divisions. This person sets the NBI’s goals and plans, oversees major investigations and reports directly to the Secretary of Justice.
The Director also makes sure that all NBI operations and investigations follow the law, support national policies and protect the rights and safety of the Filipino people.
Who Is the Director of the NBI?
The NBI does not have a “CEO” like a private company. The Director acts as the head of the agency similar to how a chief executive officer (CEO) leads an organization.
As of 2025 the current NBI Director is Jaime B. Santiago resigned in August 2025. He continues to lead the Bureau toward modernization, improving its technology, investigative methods and overall efficiency to better serve the Filipino people.
How Many Directors Are There in NBI?
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has one main Director who leads the entire agency. The Director is assisted by several Deputy Directors each in charge of different service areas such as:
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Investigative Services
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Intelligence Services
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Forensic Services
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Legal Services
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Administrative Services
Each Deputy Director oversees multiple divisions within their department and reports directly to the main Director. This structure helps ensure good coordination, clear communication and accountability across all parts of the Bureau.
Conclusion
The organizational structure of the NBI Philippines shows the agency’s strong dedication to justice, public safety and national security. With its well-organized departments and specialized divisions the NBI works together to solve crimes, support law enforcement and protect citizens across the country.
As the Bureau continues to adapt to new challenges in 2025, its structure helps maintain transparency, efficiency, and integrity in all its operations also ensuring that the NBI remains a trusted protector of law and order in the Philippines.
FAQS
Q1: What is the organizational structure of the NBI?
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is headed by a Director, assisted by an Assistant Director and six (6) Deputy Directors in charge of different service areas:
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Special Investigation Services (SIS)
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Regional Operations Services (ROS)
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Intelligence Services (IS)
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Technical Services (TS)
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Administrative Services (AS)
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Comptroller Services (CS)
Q2: Who is the head of the NBI Philippines?
As of 2025, the NBI Director is Jaime Santiago.
Q3: What is the composition of the NBI?
The NBI is led by a Director, assisted by two Deputy Directors one for Administration and another for Operations.
It also includes Assistant Directors for the following seven (7) Services:
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Investigation Service
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Intelligence Service
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Human Resource and Management Service
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Comptroller Service
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Forensic Service
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Legal Service
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Technical Service
Q4: Which government department does the NBI fall under?
The NBI operates under the Department of Justice (DOJ), as stated in Republic Act No. 157 (June 19, 1947) which reorganized the former Division of Investigation into the Bureau of Investigation under the DOJ.
Q5: Who appoints the NBI Director?
The NBI Director is appointed by the President of the Philippines for a term of six (6) years. The Director cannot be removed from office except for cause.
