NBI orders probe on bureau agents escorting Mercado while in casino

Former Makati vice mayor Ernesto Mercado. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has already ordered an investigation on reports that bureau agents have escorted former Makati City Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado while in a casino in Pampanga.

READ: Binay foe, under gov’t protection, seen in casino

“I will check on this issue as soon as possible,” NBI director Virgilio Mendez, who is in South Korea attending a law enforcement conference, said in a text message to reporters.

However, based on initial information he received, Mendez said the escorts of Mercado were not NBI agents.

He said NBI Central Luzon Regional Office (NBI-Celro) director Atty. Ricardo Diaz informed him that not a single NBI agent from his office served as escort to Mercado.

“Sir, not one of my men are escorting anybody especially in a casino. I have a very limited number agents in Celro. We will ask around in Widus regarding the identity of alleged NBI escorts,” Diaz said in a text message to Mendez.

Over the weekend, Senator Nancy Binay said her husband spotted Mercado gambling at the Clark Freeport Zone under heavy guard.

READ: Nancy Binay: Is Mercado using LP money for casino spree?

Mercado is a key witness in the graft and plunder complaints filed against the Binays. RAM