Philippine police apologize to Thomas Markle Jr. after mistaken person-of-interest designation
Philippine authorities said they apologized to Thomas Markle Jr., who had been incorrectly named a person of interest in the child-sex-abuse investigation involving his father.
Philippine police have issued an apology to Thomas Markle Jr. after he was mistakenly identified as a person of interest in the child-sex-abuse probe concerning his father, Thomas Markle Sr. A source close to the investigation told the Sun that the matter has been resolved and that officers expressed remorse.
The police reportedly interviewed Markle Jr.'s fiancée, Rose Ann Gabuya, and others in his circle as part of the clarification process. Philippine National Police did not comment when contacted for further details.
The apology follows the arrest of Thomas Markle Sr. in Florida on child-pornography charges. He was released on bond with conditions that prohibit contact with minors and was returned to a dementia care facility where he resides. The former cinematographer has denied the allegations.
Earlier, Philippine Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said a witness had claimed underage girls were brought to a residence linked to the investigation and that authorities would examine whether the son was involved. At that time, officials noted that Thomas Jr. was not considered a suspect.
The FBI’s search of two storage units registered to Markle in California yielded material suspected of containing child sexual abuse imagery, and a criminal complaint alleges that Thomas Sr. appears in two images with an underage girl. Earlier reporting indicated that Cebu City police had begun an investigation after child sexual abuse material was reportedly found in the senior Markle’s home and turned over by his son.
Meghan Markle previously described the allegations against her father as “troubling and disturbing” and said her decision to distance herself from him was intended to protect her children.