MANILA - Superintendent Maria Cristina Nobleza, the female police officer suspected of trying to help Abu Sayyaf members in Bohol, entered the Philippine National Police (PNP) Crime Lab in 1996.

The 49-year-old police officer from Naga City, Bicol is a technical course graduate who studied criminology.

In her personal data sheet, she entered the PNP in 1996 and was assigned to the Crime Laboratory in Camarines Sur until 2004, where she became an experienced firearms examiner.

From 2005, she became a member of the Task Force Smuggling of the PNP, the Anti-Illegal Gambling Special Operations Task Force, and the Police Anti-Crime and Emergency Response Force (PACER).

In 2008 to 2011, she served as Chief of the Intelligence Operation Division of the Directorate for Intelligence.

She returned to the Crime Laboratory in 2012 and was assigned in Region 5.

In 2013-2014, she was transferred to the Intelligence group, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, and the Office of the Chief PNP.

In 2016, Nobleza was assigned to the now-defunct PNP-Anti Illegal Drugs Group (AIDG).

PNP Crime Lab Director Chief Superintendent Aurelio Trampe Jr. said while Nobleza began her police career in the crime lab, the female police officer was trained in a lot of intel work.

"Matagal ito sa intelligence from different units involved sa intelligence. I thought she was honest, working for the government kasi nga sa intelligence nagagamit siya to infiltrate somebody sa organization. Hindi naman kami nag-o-operate against criminal groups. We go after a crime has happened," he said.

According to Trampe, when the AIDG was dissolved, Nobleza returned to her mother unit in the Crime Lab and became Assistant Regional Chief of Region 11 last February 24.

BALIK ISLAM, CHANGES

Upon her return to the Crime Lab, Trampe said Nobleza became a Balik Islam convert.

"Nung bumalik sa amin, Balik Islam na siya. Wala namang problema kung Balik Islam siya. She observes the rites of a Muslim. OK lang sa amin.

"She's married to a PNPA [Philippine National Police Academy] Class '91. At that time, they were in good terms. Ngayon separated na," Trampe shared.

Since her return to the PNP Crime Lab, Nobleza's superiors noticed a change in her demeanor.

"Being her immediate superior, they offered a boarding house for her to stay while in Davao pero ayaw niya. She opted to stay in a hotel, which is very expensive. Nagtataka nga ang kanyang superior, ang regional chief ng Crime Lab, kung bakit mas gusto niyang mag-hotel. We don't know kung bakit, ayaw niya sa boarding house. Siguro nga, kaya niyang mag-hotel, meron siyang pera.

"During the time of her arrest, Nobleza was supposed to be in Camp Crame training on how to manage human resources, for one month. The schedule began last week and will end third week of May."

Trampe said Nobleza was never sanctioned by the Crime Lab to go to Bohol.

"Hindi siya nagpaalam sa amin, kahit sa supervisor niya. She is not authorized. Wala kaming instruction sa kanya. She did it on her own. Sa part ng work niya, doon niya siguro na-acquire ang connections niya," he said.