NBI apologizes for ‘sexy dance’ video, vows to probe erring officials

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 7) – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday publicly apologized for the circulating “sexy dance” video reportedly during an event of the agency and vowed to investigate and impose appropriate penalties to officials responsible for the misbehavior.

“Pinapa-imbestigahan natin ang pangyayari, kung sino nag-imbita, nagdala ng dancer at kung sino ang nagpahintulot na magperform sila doon sa NBI socials,” NBI Director Medardo de Lemos said in a press briefing.

[Translation: We are investigating the incident, who invited, brought the dancer, and who allowed them to perform there at the NBI socials].

He added the NBI will determine who is accountable for the mistake, stressing "we'll never tolerate indecency in the agency.”

De Lemos said the incident happened after the NBI fellowship – a supposed gathering of regional and national officers in Manila.

He said he was not present when the dancing happened and that he would most likely have stopped it had he been there.

"Humihingi kami ng paumanhin dahil sa hindi namin intensyon makasakit ng damdamin ng ating mga kababaihan," he added

[Translation: We apologize. We have no intention of hurting the feelings of women]

‘Misjudgment, lack of awareness’

The Department of Justice (DOJ), meanwhile, said the performance of female sexy dancers during an NBI event may be due to misjudgment and lack of awareness on the part of the organizing team.

“It’s a misjudgment, lack of awareness and sensitivity, and we will have to investigate as to what happened in this case,” DOJ spokesman Mico Clavano told CNN Philippines’ The Source, but added it should not be an excuse for what happened.

On Thursday, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the department will investigate a video circulating online showing a woman performing a sexy dance in front of guests during the NBI event.

Another video showed a different woman also performing provocatively.

Based on initial reports, Clavano said the dancing occurred after the main ceremony for the NBI’s Command Conference.

Authorities will start its investigation by finding out who among the members of the organizing committee approved this, he noted.

Clavano urged the NBI to take this “opportunity to review their protocols and to reinforce professionalism and ensure that such incidents don’t undermine integrity and the good reputation of the organization as the premier investigating arm.”