MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is not yet buying the allegations made by “Bikoy,” the man behind the “Ang Totoong Narcolist” videos.
Peter Joemel Advincula, who claimed to be the “Bikoy” narrator in the videos, accused top opposition leaders and personalities of being behind the plot to oust President Duterte and undermine his administration.
Advincula was rushed to hospital yesterday after his blood pressure shot up, officials said.
He surrendered earlier this week and with top PNP officials in the background, detailed on Thursday the ouster plot linking Vice President Leni Robredo, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, the Liberal Party and other opposition leaders and critics.
PNP spokesman Col. Bernard Banac yesterday said Advincula has yet to give evidence to support his allegations.
Banac noted Advincula changed his story, earlier linking Duterte, his family and some administration officials in the illegal drug trade.
Banac said Advincula apparently failed to sell his new story.
“Not yet, we are not buying it yet. We have to investigate him further to see if the new allegations he has made can be substantiated but in the meantime he is arrested,” Banac said in an interview with Cignal TV’s “The Chiefs.”
The PNP drew criticism after it hosted the press conference of Advincula following his surrender.
Banac said it was the “collective decision of the leadership of the PNP” and ultimately PNP chief General Oscar Albayalde to allow Advincula to issue the public apology to the President and his family.
Banac said they were not aware that Advincula would make the new accusations during the press conference.
“He asked for permission so he can speak and make public apology. We did not deny him that opportunity because it would give him a chance to correct his mistake. But we did not realize that it would turn out that way, that he would make more allegations,” he added.
Banac clarified Advincula was only presented to the media because he was a controversial figure now under police custody.
Advincula surrendered to police on Wednesday over pending warrants of arrest issued by various courts for cases of estafa and illegal recruitment.
Albayalde said Advincula would soon be a “free man” as he is already processing the bail on his pending charges and paid at least P18,000 as bond.
Once Advincula posts bail, he will be a free man and the PNP would no longer have any reason to hold him, even if he wants to stay under custody, Albayalde said.
“There is a process and even in the provision of security, he has to undergo the process also, the normal process and security that we provide to others that need protection also. He is not excused from the others,” Albayalde said.
He said the PNP has to verify any imminent threat to Advincula.
Albayalde stressed they do not have the policy nor facility to keep people who want protection in PNP headquarters at Camp Crame.
For his part, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he is doubtful of Advincula’s claims.
Lorenzana stressed Advincula should back up his accusations with solid evidence.
“Let us not be hasty in giving credence to what he is saying. From what I heard and read, he has been lying at every turn,” Lorenzana said.
Advincula had claimed seven of the eight Otso Diretso senatorial candidates were behind his fabricated exposé. He was supposed to receive P500,000 from them.
He claimed he did not get any money from them while he and his family are now the subject of death threats, the reason why he surrendered.
“His motive? Of course, to save himself! Let him substantiate what he is saying,” Lorenzana said.
Sen. Panfilo Lacson, a former PNP chief, said authorities must make sure they are able to gather sufficient and credible evidence if they are going to file cases against the personalities implicated by Advincula.
He said the surrender and latest allegations of Advincula would be pointless if the accusations are not checked.
“If they intend to build up a case against anyone, they better document and consolidate all the pieces of evidence, if any, to support Bikoy’s latest statement, assuming that they give some credence to it,” Lacson said.
“My statement is clear on this issue – we need to see some solid proof or evidence that will substantiate Bikoy’s claims, regardless of who will be at the receiving end. At least there is something to evaluate and validate,” he said. “Otherwise, it’s pointless even listening to him, except for entertainment.” – With Paolo Romero, Michael Punongbayan