5 sued over NBI chief’s old viral video

MANILA, Philippines — Five people accused of circulating an old video of National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag and his friend Mel Sabio are facing complaints with the NBI for alleged violation of the Data Privacy Act.

At a press briefing at the NBI headquarters in Pasay yesterday, Sabio said he filed the complaint after a recording of a heated exchange between him and Matibag resurfaced on social media.

Sabio admitted that he recorded the conversation between him and Matibag, but clarified that it was intended for his personal safety and not for public release.

Sabio said he only shared the video with a friend and did not consent to its publication.

He added that he and Matibag have since reconciled.

Matibag acknowledged the authenticity of the recording, saying the incident occurred in 2020 and involved a private conversation between friends.

“This was a video from 2020. So the comments and captions being posted are not far from the truth if you really listen to the context of the conversation. That was a conversation between friends,” Matibag said.

He indicated that the release of the video may be politically motivated, noting that it surfaced years after it was recorded.

The NBI chief said authorities have identified more than 400 social media accounts that may have been involved in spreading the video.

The viral clip showed a heated argument between Matibag and Sabio over a social media post, during which threats were allegedly made.

Matibag said the matter had long been resolved between him and Sabio, with both parties agreeing not to pursue legal action at the time.