MANILA, Philippines - Justice Secretary Leila de Lima continues to vet applicants and nominees for the post of National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director.

De Lima told reporters she now has a list of more than 10 nominees and applicants, with 8 considered as "serious" ones based on their credentials and track record.

The applicants and nominees include those from the police, the NBI, Department of Justice, lawyers, and judges.

She intends to trim down the list before submitting it to President Aquino.

One of the nominees will replace former NBI Director Magtanggol Gatdula, who was axed from his post and is facing criminal charges for the alleged kidnapping and serious illegal detention of a Japanese woman.