UNFAZED by the allegations of Peter Joemel Advincula or "Bikoy," Malacañang revealed Tuesday, May 7, that the executive branch is now more focused on going after the people behind the "Ang Totoong Narcolist" series of videos.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the Palace was convinced that Advincula, who has a "criminal" background, was just a "pawn" in the "black propaganda" of individuals who want to taint the reputation of President Rodrigo Duterte and his family.
"Look at the personality of this person - ex-con, tapos marami pang kaso, hinahanap siya, marami siyang warrants. From Bicol siya eh, Sorsogon. So ano namang kaugnayan niya? Ano namang motibo niya?" Panelo said in a press conference with Palace reporters.
(Look at the personality of this person. He's a former convict. He's facing many cases and authorities are looking for him. There are many warrants issued against him. He's from Bicol, Sorsogon so what is his connection with the President? What is his motive?)
"[It's] very obvious na (that) it's a black propaganda. And it's also obvious that he's only being [used].Parang ano lang siya dito, pawn, ginagamit (Perhaps, he's just a pawn, being used by some personalities)," he added.
Panelo said he will soon release documents from the Philippine National Police (PNP), which would reveal the identity of the people who are using Advincula.
Pressed on whether the document would be another matrix, he said: "Hindi ko pa rin alam. Surprise (I don't know yet. Let it be a surprise)."
Asked if the Palace already knows the brains behind the "Ang Totoong Narcolist" series, "Hindi pa. Hindi pa natin alam kasi nga iniimbestigahan pa ng PNP (No, we don't. We don't know yet because the PNP is still investigating it)."
He said he could not provide further information about individuals who are using Advincula as "pawn," but stressed that the exposé could come as a "bombshell."
"Merong nakikita 'yung mga nag-iimbestiga na could be a bombshell from the way I look at it pero hindi ko muna sasabihin (There's an interesting revelation from investigators that could be a bombshell from the way I look at it, but I would not disclose it now)," Panelo said.
"Apart from doon sa mga nasa [Oust Duterte] matrix, meron pang isa o grupo sa likod ni Bikoy. Pero sa ngayon, we will just be speculating kaya mas gusto kong antayin 'yung PNP," he added.
(Apart from those who are included in the 'Oust Duterte' matrix, there is someone or a group who is controlling Bikoy. As of now, we will just be speculating so I'll just wait the PNP's report on its investigation.)
Advincula on Monday, May 6, claimed he is the hooded man named Bikoy in a series of videos linking the President's family and allies to the illegal drugs trade.
Advincula, who denied any links to a political party, surfaced Monday at the office of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines in Pasig City to seek legal assistance, saying he planned to sue those he claimed to be involved in illegal drugs.
He also vehemently denied the Palace's allegation that he is conniving with some media personalities to unseat the President as specified in the "Oust Duterte" matrix. (SunStar Philippines)