Philippine police update investigation into Thomas Markle Sr. child-pornography allegations
Philippine authorities said they are working with U.S. law-enforcement agencies on a probe into alleged child-pornography material found at Thomas Markle Sr.'s Cebu home, while U.S. and UK officials have not yet been contacted.
Philippine police held a press conference Tuesday to provide an update on the investigation into alleged child-pornography material discovered at the Cebu City residence of Thomas Markle Sr., 82. Acting Director of the Philippine National Police Pmgen Wilson Casueta said the police are cooperating with U.S. law-enforcement agencies, including the FBI, but have not yet been in contact with British authorities.
"The investigation is going in the right direction. If there is sufficient evidence, we will file a case," Casueta told reporters.
Casueta noted that a video seized in the search showed male and female children of Asian and Caucasian descent, and emphasized that no Filipino children appeared in the material. He added that the FBI and other U.S. agencies are conducting parallel investigations and have reached out to the Philippines' Women’s and Children’s Protection Center.
The Department of Justice’s Office of the Regional Prosecutor VII indicated that legal action could be pursued if sufficient evidence is identified. Interior Minister Jonvic Remulla said early evidence suggests the possibility of a serious sexual-offense case, but stressed the need for a thorough review before any conclusions are released.
Thomas Markle Sr. has denied the allegations, calling them false. His daughter Samantha Markle defended him, while his son, Thomas Markle Jr., reported finding what he described as hundreds of child-sex-abuse images at the Cebu home. The case has also prompted a warrant to search Markle's digital devices in the Philippines.
Separately, Mexican authorities reportedly raided a storage unit in Rosarito that had been rented by Markle during his residence in the country, uncovering magazines and books described as containing child-pornography. Local officials have not yet released findings from that raid.
Meghan Markle expressed distress over the allegations and referenced a prior 2018 letter containing similar claims. The investigation continues as authorities assess the evidence.