NBI seeks embassy funding to combat transnational crime in 2027 budget

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has appealed to lawmakers for funding to deploy representatives to Philippine embassies worldwide, citing the need to combat transnational criminal activities more effectively.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag presented the request during the House of Representatives committee on appropriations' budget hearing for the agency on Monday, proposing the establishment of NBI attaché positions at diplomatic missions overseas.

Matibag disclosed that the agency received no budget allocation for such positions in the current fiscal year, prompting the formal request to Congress for the 2027 budget cycle. The measure would enable the NBI to work more closely with local authorities in foreign countries and coordinate investigations involving Filipino nationals or crimes with links to the Philippines.

The NBI director emphasized that the attaché positions would strengthen the agency's international law enforcement operations and help address the growing threat of crimes that transcend borders, including human trafficking, money laundering, and cybercrime.

The House appropriations committee is expected to deliberate on the request as it finalizes the 2027 national budget allocation for various government agencies.