A LAWYER representing the 17-year-old lone suspect in the murder of Christine Lee Silawan claimed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is trying to demonize his client through a "trial by publicity."

Lawyer Vincent Isles told SunStar Cebu that the NBI 7 should focus on strengthening the evidence they have against his client rather than creating a false narrative of the 17-year-old suspect's background.

Isles made the reaction after NBI 7 officials recovered alleged pornography from his client's phone which they claimed to have been "destroyed."

"Nganong gi-raise paman na nila ang pornography nga nakit-an nila sa akong kliyente? Sila mismo niingon nga wala gi-rape si Christine Lee, so unsa may tuyo nila nga iraise na nila?" Isles said.

Isles is concerned that the alleged "trial by publicity" conducted by the NBI 7 could have dire effects to his client.

"Unsa may mahitabo kung ma-clear siya sa korte o sa fiscal nga dili diay siya ang nagpatay? Mabawi pa niya ang iyang reputation?" Isles added.

Isles said they already have evidence to prove that his client is not behind Silawan's murder.