Manila: The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday denied allegations made by former lawmaker Mike Defensor concerning the alleged illegal detention and international flight using fake passports of John Paul Estrada, an aide to former Ako Bicol congressman Zaldy Co, and his wife.

According to Philippines News Agency, the NBI urged Defensor to provide verifiable evidence rather than relying on hearsay if he continues to assert these accusations involving Estrada. The NBI emphasized that without credible proof, these allegations cannot be substantiated and warned of potential prosecution for malicious intent, which could damage the Bureau’s credibility and integrity.

Defensor had previously claimed that Estrada and his wife were unlawfully detained, mistreated by NBI personnel, and subsequently flown to Chile to prevent them from testifying in an ongoing flood control corruption scandal. The NBI stated that it has been in communication with the Bureau of Immigration to verify whether the couple indeed left the Philippines.

The NBI condemned any attempts to undermine its credibility and integrity through false, malicious, or unverified statements. It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, due process, and the rule of law, highlighting its openness to formal investigations and legitimate inquiries to establish the truth.