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