NBI Official: Facing Cases is 'Price We Pay' for Doing Our Job

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) BARMM Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc stated that it is normal for law enforcement officers to face cases due to the nature of their job, calling it the "price we pay" for doing their duty. Lotoc made these remarks on the fifth day of the impeachment trial as a witness presented by the House prosecution panel. When asked by Senator-Judge Robin Padilla if he had faced any cases throughout his 12 years with the NBI, Lotoc replied, "Your Honor, it is normal for NBI agents to face cases. In fact, this applies to any law enforcement agency." He added, "That's the price we pay for doing our job and for protecting the country. As a matter of fact, in the NBI, Your Honor, we avoid the noise; we just finish the job." Lotoc mentioned that he has not yet received any official case from the Office of the Ombudsman. However, he admitted seeing a complaint coursed through the NBI. He stated that he had asked his colleagues to check the complaint's validity and authenticity, and it was later found that a Makati court had issued a certification declaring its notarization as fake. "So, I told my colleagues, 'Don't pay attention to it, we have a lot of work to do. If the notary is fake, it's just a mere scrap of paper. Don't pay attention to it,'" Lotoc continued. The NBI official also said he is awaiting notification from the Office of the Ombudsman regarding the matter and is ready to answer at any time. Senator-Judge Padilla questioned Lotoc's approach, asking, "Shouldn't a person's initial reaction when facing a case is to face it head-on?" Padilla also inquired about Lotoc's appointment as NBI regional director for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and his knowledge of Islam. Lotoc, a Catholic, stated he only knows a little about Islam.