Screenshot of a video circulated online.
MANILA, Philippines — Investigators are still looking into the possibility that the creator of the website that shared the “Ang Totoong Narcolist” videos is behind “Bikoy,” an official of the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Monday.
“There was a theory that maybe Mr. (Rodel) Jayme is Bikoy. Maybe he’s not. And that is still subject to further investigation,” DOJ spokesperson Markk Perete said in an interview with CNN Philippines.
Asked if Jayme was still not off the hook regarding the cloaked character called “Bikoy,” Perete answered: Yes.
“If the investigation would indicate that he is, then the question is: Can he be discharged as a state witness? That’s a matter for the courts,” he added.
Earlier, Jayme expressed willingness to testify against those behind the “Ang Totoong Narcolist” videos.
“Handa akong maging state witness. Malinis ang intensyon ko. Nakikipagtulungan ako,” Jayme said at a press conference late last week.
READ: Jayme ready to be state witness, vows to expose ‘Ang Totoong Narcolist’ culprit
However, Perete said that it would be up to the court if Jayme would be qualified to be a state witness.
“In this case, if investigation would seem to indicate that he is the least guilty in this offense, then he could turn state witness and usually it’s the court which determines whether he is qualified to be state witness or not,” he said.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) earlier filed an inciting to sedition complaint against Jayme, administrator and registrant of metrobalita.net.
The website metrobalita.net was included in a matrix which Malacañang said was part of a plot to oust President Rodrigo Duterte. The site has since been shut down.
READ: Panelo says he didn’t back track; ouster matrix from Duterte
The NBI applied for a search warrant against Jayme before a Makati Court after tracing his links to the said website.
The warrant was implemented on April 30.
“Ang Totoong Narcolist” is a series of videos detailing the alleged involvement of President Rodrigo Duterte’s family members and long-time aide Bong Go to the illegal drug trade.
The videos were posted in parts on different social media sites such as Pinoy Ako Blog, Change Scamming, Metro Balita, Madam Claudia, and What the FACT blog. /cbb