Philippine interior secretary says Thomas Markle Jr. is a person of interest in father’s child-porn investigation
Philippine officials named Meghan Markle’s half-brother as a person of interest in a probe of their father’s alleged possession of child sexual abuse material, while emphasizing that he is not yet a suspect.
Philippine Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced Thursday that Thomas Markle Jr., the half-brother of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has been identified as a person of interest in the investigation into their father, Thomas Markle Sr., for alleged child sexual abuse material. Remulla said a witness reported that underage girls were brought to the senior Markle’s residence and added, "To accuse the father only is only half the police work. There are signs that point that the son is involved in the crime as well but only as a person of interest so far."
The interior secretary said authorities have recovered about 7,500 images of minors from a cellphone, dismantled CPUs and other devices, but have not yet determined ownership. He noted that the U.S. FBI has been asked to assist in establishing whether the devices belong to Thomas Sr.
Officials clarified that Thomas Jr. is not currently considered a suspect and that the investigation remains ongoing. The family has not responded to requests for comment.
Last month, Thomas Jr., 60, claimed he found “hundreds, if not thousands” of child sexual abuse images in boxes at his father’s home in Cebu and reported the matter to local police and the FBI. Thomas Sr., 82, denied the allegations, describing them as “sick lies.”
Meghan Markle said she was “deeply disturbed” by the investigation and said she had been aware of similar allegations years earlier, which influenced her decision to keep her father away from her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.