The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has officially opened its district office in Catanduanes, allowing residents to access clearance processing, criminal investigation assistance, and other bureau services without traveling to the mainland.
The NBI-Catanduanes District Office (NBI-CATDO) was inaugurated on October 28, 2026, in a ceremony led by NBI-Bicol Regional Director Atty. Yehlen Agus.
The establishment of the office followed the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag and Catanduanes Governor Patrick Alain Azanza on August 5, 2026.
Agus said the opening marked a significant improvement in the accessibility of government services, particularly for Catanduanes residents who previously had to travel outside the island province for NBI transactions.
She emphasized that the district office would provide not only NBI clearance processing but also assistance with criminal investigations and other services within the bureau’s mandate.
Agus also credited Matibag for supporting the establishment of the office through the immediate issuance of an administrative order creating the district office and assigning personnel to oversee its operations.
She likewise thanked Azanza for facilitating coordination between the provincial government and the NBI throughout the planning and implementation of the project.
For his part, Azanza welcomed the establishment of the district office, saying it would spare residents the additional travel expenses and inconvenience of crossing to the mainland to obtain NBI services.
The governor also acknowledged Provincial Board Member Xyrell Albaniel for initiating the resolution calling for the establishment of an NBI office in the province.
During the inauguration, NBI personnel demonstrated the facility’s operational readiness by processing Azanza’s application for an NBI clearance, making him the first client to receive the document at the new office.
The ceremony was attended by Vice Governor Fred Benedict Gianan, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, municipal mayors, representatives of the Philippine National Police, and other local officials.
The NBI-Catanduanes District Office is located at the former Governor’s Office on the second floor of the Provincial Capitol Building in Virac.
The office is fully operational and open to the public from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The opening forms part of the NBI’s efforts to expand its presence in the provinces and make investigative and clearance services more accessible to communities outside major urban centers.
