The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) head of the counter-terrorism division Raoul Manguerra was found dead due to a gunshot wound inside his office, the agency’s spokesperson said Tuesday.
According to NBI spokesperson Deputy Director Ferdinand Lavin, NBI Counter-Terrorism Division head Raoul Manguerra passed away past Tuesday midnight.
“The NBI is in a deep state of mourning,” Lavin said. “We condole with the family, relatives, and friends of Chief Manguerra.”
Based on a police report, Manguerra’s live-in partner Maria Rosario Bernardo was informed by the NBI’s counter-terrorism division that the NBI official was rushed to Manila Doctors Hospital due to a gunshot wound in the abdomen but was pronounced dead on arrival.
The report also stated that his driver and an NBI employee brought Manguerra to the hospital after hearing a gunshot from his office.
Bernardo added that Manguerra was suffering from stage 3 colon cancer, the report said.
The NBI is investigating the death of the counterterrorism official. MPD said its team was not allowed to enter Manguerra’s office to conduct its own investigation.
Meanwhile, the NBI said Tuesday night that its headquarters are placed on “lockdown” for its investigation. It also mourned the death of Manguerra.
“He has been very instrumental in the anti-terrorism campaign not only of the NBI but also of this government,” said Lanvin.
A similar incident occurred when Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 45 Judge Ma Theresa Abadilla was shot by her court clerk inside her chamber at the Manila City Hall.
The suspect, lawyer Amador Rebato, had COVID-19 and suffered depression. He also shot himself after killing Abadilla.
Statement of the NBI on the passing of NBI Counter Terrorism Division (CTD) Chief Raoul Manguerra
We confirm the death of NBI Counter Terrorism Division (CTD) Chief Raoul Manguerra early this morning (past midnight).
Chief Manguerra died of a gunshot wound inside his office at the CTD.
The NBI is in a deep state of mourning.
We condole with the family, relatives and friends of Chief Manguerra.
The Director has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident, including a lockdown on the NBI premises immediately after the incident.