MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday warned individuals behind alleged smear campaigns and other illegal activities that they would face criminal charges as investigators widened their probe into an alleged plot to frame Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag told reporters that the agency had already identified several personalities believed to be involved in the alleged operation and would summon them for questioning as investigators determine their individual liabilities.
"We will always be guided by law, evidence and procedure," Matibag said.
"I'm warning all those who are planning to engage in character assassination or commit illegal acts against anyone—not only those in the administration. Whoever they are, we will investigate them. No one is exempt," the NBI chief vowed.
A lawyer, Matibag said the NBI already has leads on the people behind the alleged operation, which he described as involving substantial funding.
"We already have an idea who the players are," he said, adding that investigators were still gathering evidence before filing possible charges.
The top NBI official said authorities were looking into whether the alleged operation was part of a broader effort to target other public officials.
"If this operation had succeeded, others could have been next, possibly even senators. We are looking at the direction of the investigation," Matibag said.
All personalities linked to the alleged operation, including former Negros Oriental congressman Jacinto "Jing" Paras, would be summoned once the bureau establishes their identities and participation.
But the former lawmaker has already voluntarily surrendered his mobile phone to the NBI, according to Matibag.
He also disclosed that investigators had recovered screenshots of alleged online conversations involving Paras but some of the messages were later deleted.
He explained that electronic devices allegedly used in the commission of a crime may be examined as evidence, while cyber warrants provide an additional legal basis for accessing digital data.
The NBI head said investigators had also received information that some of the personalities involved had discussed holding a press conference.
On Thursday, the NBI disclosed that an anti-trafficking operation in Manila led to the discovery of an alleged plot to frame Recto.
The bureau said a suspected talent manager, arrested during an entrapment operation, claimed that he had been approached to make it appear that Recto was one of his clients.
The suspect alleged that Paras contacted him regarding the plan and that Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste allegedly financed the supposed operation.
The same suspect also claimed that he and four women were each promised P1 million to falsely accuse Recto of forcing them to use illegal drugs and engage in sexual acts.
The NBI has stressed that these allegations came from the arrested suspect and have yet to be independently verified. The investigation remains ongoing.
Matibag said the bureau would pursue anyone found to have violated the law, regardless of political affiliation.
"Do not think of doing something illegal because the NBI is proactive. We will always enforce the law," he added.
