DOJ questions credibility of ‘Bikoy’

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) yesterday questioned the credibility of the anonymous man identified as “Bikoy” in the “Totoong Narcolist” videos that accused several members of the presidential family of links to illegal drug trade in the country.  Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra stressed that while the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) could also pursue a probe on the allegations made in the videos, Bikoy’s anonymity has repercussions on his claims.

“Hiding behind a cloak of absolute anonymity casts serious doubt as to his motive and truthfulness. Genuine whistle-blowers are not afraid to come out of the dark and into the light,” he pointed out.

Guevarra made the statement in response to the challenge posed by opposition Sens. Antonio Trillanes IV and Leila de Lima for the DOJ to look into the allegations of Bikoy – the unidentified man who accused President Duterte and some members of his family on YouTube as being involved in the illegal drug trade – and former police official Eduardo Acierto instead of allegedly cracking down on the whistle-blowers.

“The DOJ is not foreclosing any investigation of the allegations made by Bikoy and Acierto, but first we have to establish if there is prima facie evidence other than their mere allegations to initiate an investigation,” he explained.

The NBI is on the lookout for Bikoy and Acierto upon orders of trial courts. Acierto is facing drug importation cases before the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 35 over his involvement in the alleged smuggling of multibillion-peso shabu shipments last year. 

On the other hand, the administrator of the website metrobalita.net that spread the Bikoy videos on social media was arrested last week through a search warrant issued by Makati RTC Branch 148.

Rodel Jayme, who was charged with inciting to sedition before the DOJ, has expressed willingness to spill the beans and identify the people behind the Bikoy videos.

At a press conference, Jayme admitted that he was paid P2,500 to build the website early this year by a woman he identified as Maru or Mary Nguyen.

He said he met Nguyen when they both served as volunteers in the campaign of Liberal Party (LP) presidential candidate Mar Roxas in 2015.

Jayme, however, denied any links to the LP or Vice President Leni Robredo.

The NBI said Jayme could be used as a state witness and be covered by the witness protection program of the DOJ should he meet eligibility under the law. – With Paolo Romero