The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is investigating CJ Hirro, an anchor for Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN), in connection with an extortion case involving former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag confirmed Hirro's status as a person of interest following the arrest of PGMN founder Franco Mabanta and four associates, who allegedly attempted to extort up to P350 million from Romualdez.
The extortion attempt reportedly involved threats to release a video that purportedly ties Romualdez to corruption.
NBI's Next Steps
During an interview, Matibag stated that the NBI plans to summon Hirro due to her mention in the complaint filed by Romualdez’s representative, Noa Nocon.
She’s a person of interest because she’s there in our complainant’s affidavit.
Melvin Matibag, NBI Director
Matibag indicated that Hirro's involvement in the case is significant, as she appears in the video related to the allegations.
The NBI is also assessing the roles of other PGMN members and is seeking a cyber warrant to analyze electronic devices that were seized during the investigation.