MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) will investigate the claims of Peter Joemel Advincula, the man claiming to be “Bikoy,” that the Liberal Party and Senator Antonio Trillanes IV orchestrated the narcolist videos.
“All his revelations will be taken and will be thoroughly investigated. Kung makita na kahit sino man ay involved and may liability, then we will not hesitate to file cases to anybody,” PNP chief Police General Oscar Albayalde said in a press conference at Camp Crame on Thursday.
Advincula surrendered at the Northern Police District on Wednesday afternoon, and later claimed the videos were part of the so-called “Project Sodoma” by the opposition to unseat President Rodrigo Duterte. He also backtracked and said his claims in the videos were all lies.
READ: ‘Bikoy’ says claims in videos are lies, tags LP, Trillanes
Albayalde, who earlier aired doubts on the credibility of Advincula for being a suspect for estafa in the past, stressed that Advincula still has to support his allegations with evidence.
“The burden of proof is on him. Wala po sa amin ‘yun. Whether paniwalaan siya o hindi, nasa taongbayan ‘yun. He came to us freely, nagvoluntary surrender siya at in-accept namin siya,” he said.
But in confirming whether Advincula was indeed the elusive hooded guy in the “Ang Totoong Narcolist” (The True Narcolist) series, Albayalde said the PNP can tap experts to confirm his identity.
Albayalde also said they welcomed Advincula like any other suspect who wishes to surrender to authorities.
“He made the news. He is trying to make things right. I think the people deserve to know the truth dito. Dahil marami siyang napaniwala din kung mali man yung sinabi niya before, he wants to make things straight. Bakit natin siya i-de-deny ngayon?” he said.
Albayalde also shrugged off concerns that the PNP is being used for political agenda, as Advincula was allowed to air his accusations at a press briefing at the national police headquarters.
He said personnel of the PNP only heard Advincula’s accusations at the press conference itself. (Editor: Julie Espinosa)
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