NBI probe into fake Gibo letter sought

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of National Defense has asked the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to look into an alleged fake letter circulating online insinuating communication between DND Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. and a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) official regarding an operation on Ayungin Shoal and the Philippines’ cooperation with the United States government.

In a statement yesterday, DND spokesman Arsenio Andolong said the document “is false and fake.”

The DND warned the public against a fabricated letter supposedly signed by Teodoro and addressed to alleged CIA officer Peter Enzminger.

“The department unequivocally states that the document and its content are absolutely false and fake,” Andolong said.

He said the matter, which may form part of efforts to discredit the name of Teodoro, has been referred to the NBI.

“This is yet another episode of foreign interference and malign influence that is intended to discredit the legitimate and lawful efforts of the Philippine government to assert its national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Andolong said.

The DND and Armed Forces of the Philippines have attributed foreign malign influence to China’s efforts to cause division and confusion among Filipinos and have the public lose focus on the issue of the West Philippine Sea.