Palace to release ‘bombshell’ info on group behind ‘Bikoy’

“But (it’s) very obvious na (that) it’s a black propaganda, and it’s also obvious that he’s only being—parang ano lang siya rito (it’s like he’s only being used as a), pawn – ginagamit,” said Panelo in a Palace press briefing. (File Photo By Official Gazette of the Philippines – File:Malacañang Palace.jpg, Public Domain)

MANILA — Malacañang on Tuesday said it will soon release a “bombshell” information on a group controlling Peter Joemel Advincula, who claimed to be “Bikoy” in a video series which linked President Rodrigo Duterte, his family, and allies in the illegal drug trade.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said it was obvious that Advincula, a convict facing multiple criminal cases, was only being used as a “pawn” by a group seeking to destroy the President and those close to him.

“But (it’s) very obvious na (that) it’s a black propaganda, and it’s also obvious that he’s only being—parang ano lang siya rito (it’s like he’s only being used as a), pawn – ginagamit,” said Panelo in a Palace press briefing.

As soon as verified, Panelo said he would release documents from the Philippine National Police (PNP) which will reveal the personalities behind Advincula and the controversial Bikoy videos.

“Hindi ko lang muna pupuwedeng sabihin, but mayroong nakikita iyong mga nag-iimbestiga na could be a bombshell from the way I looked at it (I can’t reveal it now, but investigators have seen bombshell information from the way I looked at it),” Panelo said.

Asked if the group behind Advincula could be among those listed in the Oust Duterte matrix composed of journalists and lawyers, Panelo reiterated he will await investigation results of the PNP.

Panelo said at present, he has no knowledge as to whether the group could include certain members of the opposition.

Advincula, who surfaced on Monday, denied links to any media or lawyers’ organizations, and political party seeking to discredit the President.

“Apart from iyong mga nandoon sa matrix, mayroon pang isang—isa o grupo sa likod ni Bikoy. But sa ngayon, we will just be speculating kaya mas gusto kong ‘antayin iyong PNP (Apart from the ones on the matrix, there is another group behind Bikoy. But now, we will just be speculating that’s why I prefer to wait for the results of the PNP),” Panelo said.

Panelo described Advincula’s appearance as a “significant development that will show that indeed there are people behind the ouster of the President”.

“Because that video is definitely a move to discredit the President, for the people to lose trust in this President,” Panelo said.

He, meanwhile, dismissed Advincula’s claim that he sought legal assistance from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) due to threats to his life.

“That’s a pretended act,” said Panelo, also Chief Presidential Legal Counsel.

“When he exposed that video, he was hooded. Sino ang magte-threat sa kanya kung naka-hooded siya? Tapos suddenly haharap siya, sasabihin niya kaya ako lumabas dahil may threat sa buhay ko (Who would threaten his life when he’s hooded in the videos. And then suddenly, he’ll say he surfaced because there’s a threat to his life),” Panelo said.

Earlier, Panelo cast doubt on Advincula’s credibility since many of his allegations have been debunked, including his claim that former Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher “Bong” Go had a tattoo on his back, which linked him to the illegal drug trade.

The PNP has yet to assess whether Advincula needs security protection due to supposed threats to his life.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, chair of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, is also seeking a congressional inquiry into Advincula’s claims.