Thomas Markle’s son named person of interest

MANILA, Philippines —  Thomas Markle’s son has been placed under investigation as a person of interest in a suspected child sexual abuse materials case involving electronic devices surrendered to authorities in Cebu, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said yesterday.

Remulla said investigators were looking into allegations that underage girls had been brought to Markle’s residence in Cebu, based on statements from witnesses.

“There are indications pointing to the son’s possible involvement, but he is still a person of interest and has not been treated as a suspect,” Remulla told reporters at Camp Crame.

Markle Jr. was the one who turned over the devices to authorities, but Remulla said this prompted investigators to examine his possible links to the case, including the alleged visits by minors to his house.

“He said they were just making TikTok videos, but we checked his TikTok account and did not find underage girls appearing in the videos,” Remulla said.

The investigation began after electronic devices and other personal belongings were turned over to the Regional Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking in Central Visayas on Oct. 23. The items were subsequently referred to the Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Center for examination.

Remulla said investigators recovered about 7,500 photographs and one video involving underage boys and girls. He said some of the children depicted appeared to be as young as 10 or 11.

Initial forensic examination by the PNP confirmed the presence of suspected child sexual abuse and exploitation materials in three SD cards and one of five cellular phones examined.

Authorities stressed that the findings have yet to establish who owned, produced or distributed the materials.

The PNP secured a court-authorized warrant to examine the devices on Oct. 29. It is coordinating with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to establish the ownership of the phones, including through SIM registration records.

Investigators were also determining whether the materials belonged to Thomas Markle Sr. and whether other people were involved