By Aaron Recuenco
Peter Joemel Advincula, the self-confessed hooded man in the viral video-series “Ang Totoong Narcolist”, is no longer in the protective custody of the Philippine National Police (PNP) where he sought refuge after he recanted his story and eventually pinned down some personalities of the political opposition.
PNP spokesman P/Col. Bernard Banac
(PNP / MANILA BULLETIN)
PNP spokesman Col. Bernard Banac said that Advincula will be in constant coordination with the police investigators every time there will be a need for him to validate the claims he made against Sen. Antonio Trillanes, some members of the Liberal Party and even members of the Roman Catholic Church.
“He is no longer under the PNP protective custody. The assumption is that he is on his own and he is doing good,” said Banac.
Advincula, who confessed to using the alias ‘Bikoy’ when he identified some members of the First Family to illegal drugs trade, earlier sought the assistance of the PNP after he changed his story and pointed to Trillanes and other anti-Duterte personalities as the ones who allegedly prepared his script.
As soon as he surrendered to the police last month, he was allowed to speak in a press briefing with top PNP officials at Camp Crame where he detailed the alleged plot to link some members of the Duterte family and an incoming senator in the drug trade.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) was tasked to conduct the verification on the claims of Advincula and, so far, his statements are still being verified, including his alleged meeting with Trillanes and some LP and Church members.
Banac said the investigation did not mean that they believed everything that Advincula was saying.
“They are all for validation and all his claims must be backed up by pieces of evidence,” said Banac.
Banac also disclosed that Advincula no longer followed up on his earlier request for protection when he surrendered.
“Maaari yung kanyang unang hinala na merong mga threat sa kanyang buhay ay maaaring nag-subside na rin. So sa ngayon wala tayong binibigay na security sa kanya,” said Banac.