NBI denies claims of abuse, illegal detention of Zaldy Co’s aide

The National Bureau of Investigation denied claims that Zaldy Co's aide, John Paul Estrada, and his wife were beaten, illegally detained, and flown to Chile using fake passports. 

In a press statement, NBI urged former Anakalusugan partylist Rep. Mike Defensor, who made the accusations, to present verifiable evidence.

During Bilyonaryo News Channel's The Spokes, Defensor alleged that Estrada and his pregnant wife were beaten up to prevent him from talking. He added that he was told the people who assaulted them include "active personnel" and some "from the NBI."

“We categorically deny the claims that Mr. Estrada and his wife were beaten or harmed… that they were unlawfully held by NBI personnel; and… they were provided with fake passports or flown out of the country to prevent testimony,” the NBI said.

“These allegations are unfounded, unsupported by evidence, and purely speculative. No complaint, report, or medical record exists showing that Mr. Estrada or his wife suffered physical harm. There is no record of their custody under the NBI,” it added.

The agency also said that it has coordinated with the Bureau of Immigration to learn the couple's whereabouts.

The NBI also categorically condemned "any false, malicious or unverified statements intended to undermine the credibility and integrity of our institution."

The bureau added that it will proceed with an investigation should the evidence warrant so. 

“Should the evidence so warrant, the Bureau shall proceed with the appropriate investigative actions,” the NBI statement read.

“The Bureau remains fully open to any formal investigation and welcomes any legitimate inquiry to establish the truth.”