PNP to probe claims of ‘Bikoy’ vs priests, ex-DepEd chair

MANILA, Philippines — The investigation into the narcolist videos that linked family members and allies of President Rodrigo Duterte to drugs will include the new personalities mentioned by Peter Joemel Advincula, the man claiming to be “Bikoy,” in his affidavit submitted to the police.

PNP chief Police General Oscar Albayalde said this Tuesday, after Advincula reportedly claimed meeting with Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, a certain Father Robert, Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, and former Education Secretary Armin Luistro in separate sessions at universities.

Advincula reportedly claimed that the meetings centered on how to publicize a story that the President’s allies and family were linked to illegal drugs, to unseat Duterte, and to ensure the defeat of administration-backed senatorial candidates in the recently concluded elections.

“These will all be part of the investigation,” PNP chief Police Gen. Oscar Albayalde said in a chance interview at Camp Bagong Diwa.

Albayalde, however, maintained that the PNP does not consider Advincula’s statements as “gospel truth,” saying that the allegations should be supported with proof.

“Kami naman kung may sinabi siya, we have to evaluate and also gather pieces of evidence. Kung talagang meron kaming makuha, then we can file cases. Hindi naman base lang doon sa salita niya,” Albayalde said.

He added that the new personalities mentioned by Bikoy may be summoned by the PNP for them to “shed light” on the issue.

Advincula has submitted his affidavit to the police after returning to the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group on May 27 for protective custody.

Prior to that, he left Camp Crame after posting bail for his estafa cases and after being discharged from hospital inside the police camp. (Editor: Julie Espinosa)