Sedition case filed vs Robredo, 35 others over ‘Bikoy’ videos

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) on Thursday filed Sedition and other complaints against Vice President Leni Robredo and 35 other individuals, including incumbent and former senators and priests after they were tagged in the release of the “Ang Totoong Narcolist” videos.

“I have the honor to submit herewith and requesting appropriate action…the pertinent records of investigation relative to the criminal complaint for Sedition, inciting to Sedition, Cyber Libel, Libel, Estafa, Harboring a Criminal and Obstruction of Justice,” read the PNP-CIDG’s letter-complaint submitted to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Aside from Robredo, named in the complaint are incumbent opposition senators Leila de Lima and Risa Hontiveros, former senators Bam Aquino and Antonio Trillanes and members of the Otso Diretcho slate namely lawyers Chel Diokno, Romulo Macalintal, former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay, Samira Gutoc, and former lawmakers Erin Tañada and Gary Alejano.

Likewise included in the complaint are former Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president Archbishop Socrates Villegas and incumbent CBCP Vice President Archbishop Pablo Virgilio S. David, running priest Fr. Robert Reyes, Frs. Flaviano Villanueva, Albert E. Alejo, Bishops Honesto Ongtioco and Teodoro Bacani Jr.

Others named in the complaint are incumbent national president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Domingo Egon Cayosa, former IBP president Abdiel Dan Elijah Fajardo, human rights lawyer Atty. Theodore Te, Yolanda Villanueva Ong, former education secretary Armin A. Luistro, Boom Enriquez, Vicente Romano III, Danilo Songco, Joel Saracho, former police officer Eduardo Acierto, a certain Atty. Chito, Atty. Serafin Salvador and Carmelita Salvador.

‘Bikoy’ tales

Peter Joemel Advincula, alias “Bikoy,” the narrator in the video was included as a respondent in the complaint but the CIDG said he may eventually turn state witness depending on the prosecution panel’s discretion.

Advincula appeared at the IBP office last May and admitted that he is the hooded narrator in the video.

The six-part video series, which was uploaded in various social media platforms linked the family of President Rodrigo Duterte and his close allies to the illegal drugs trade.

Advincula eventually recanted his testimony and said the video was part of a certain “Project Sodoma,” aimed at discrediting Duterte and destabilize the government.

The “Project”, supposedly planned as early as August 2018, likewise sought to allegedly discredit midterm election candidates of the administration-backed Hugpong ng Pagbabago.

The PNP-CIDG also submitted before the DOJ Advincula’s sworn statement and indicated that other evidence “will be presented later.”

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said he will form a panel of prosecutors to evaluate the complaint and conduct a preliminary investigation./gsg