Peter Joemel Advincula, who claims to be “Bikoy” in the controversial “Ang Totoong Narcolist” videos, rode a Grab car out of Camp Crame, Quezon City yesterday, accompanied by his younger brother Joseph. His destination: Unknown.
Two days after dismissing the videos as a fabrication and tagging Sen. Antonio F. Trillanes IV and the Liberal Party as the people behind it, Advincula walked out of detention a free man, but faced an uncertain future.
Wearing a gray, long-sleeved shirt, the bespectacled Advincula did not answer questions from reporters who mobbed him on the way out.
Advincula was brought to the PNP General Hospital in Camp Crame last Friday after complaining of chest pains and difficulty of breathing. His blood pressure reportedly rose to 130 over 90.
Through his family, he posted P1,000 bail for each of six counts of estafa he’s facing before the Baguio City Regional Trial Court, according to Police Col. Bernard Banac, the PNP spokesman.
Yesterday, Advincula was discharged from the hospital and was turned over to the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group at 9 a.m. for documentation. He left the police camp around 1:20 p.m.
PNP chief Police Gen. Oscar Albayalde said Advincula fears for his life and wanted to stay under the custody of the PNP.
But Albayalde said the PNP is still determining if there’s a threat on Advincula’s life, adding that he has to go through a process. “We have no facility unless he is facing charges and the court orders for him to be detained at the PNP Custodial Center,” Albayalde said.
On May 6, Advincula showed up at the Integrated Bar of the Philippines office in Pasig City accompanied by a group of nuns and claimed he was the hooded figure in the serious of videos that linked President Duterte, his family, and close allies to the illegal drugs trade.
He sought help from the IBP, the national association of lawyers, which later denied his request.
On Wednesday, Advincula surrendered to the PNP and was presented to the media the next day.
Advincula recanted his May 6 statements and accused Trillanes and the LP of allegedly orchestrating the destabilization plot he dubbed as “Oplan: Sodoma.”
Vice President Leni Robredo, who was supposed to be installed as president, denied the allegations. There were also strong denials from Trillanes, LP leaders, and two schools where the supposed meetings took place.
During Thursday’s presentation of Advincula, Albayalde said they will still validate the allegations made and collect evidence so that charges can be filed if and when necessary. (Martin Sadongdong)
