8chan operator probably still in PH – Guevarra

PHOTO by ED LUSTAN / INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines – One of the operators of 8chan messaging board that has been linked to the mass shootings in the US is probably still in the Philippines.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said based on records provided by the Bureau of Immigration (BI), a certain Fredric Robert Brennan, holder of a working visa, is still in the Philippines.

Records showed that he arrived on July 1, 2017, but there was no history of his departure.

But he said they have no information on Brennan’s actual location.

“There is no information on his actual whereabouts. The Bureau of Immigration cannot trace him once they come in, like the Filipino TNT (tago ng tago),” Guevarra said.

On the other hand, Guevarra said he also instructed the BI to search the names of 8chan owner Jim Watkins and his son Ronald in its records.

BI’s data showed a certain Jimmy Ray Watkins left the country last May 9. However, no specific information can be recovered about Ronald because it is a common name and they have no information about the date of birth.

Guevarra said they were also still in the process of gathering information on the operations of 8chan and would later decide if he the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) should step in to conduct its own probe.

“My staff is gathering more information before we decide if this is something for the NBI to look into,” said DOJ Secretary.

Guevarra issued the statement after it was reported that 8chan had been the go-to of violent extremists. It is being operated in the country and that Brennan, Watkins and his son are believed to be staying in the country.

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