Palace assures ”Bikoy” won’t be hurt or killed

May 7, 2019

Malacanang assured on Tuesday the safety of Peter Joemel Advincula, who has surfaced and claimed to be "Bikoy," in the video series, accusing President Rodrigo Duterte's family members and allies to be engaged in illegal drug trade.

In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that even if Duterte and his administration were being criticized, the government would protect all the people, including the critics.

"We will secure the safety of all Filipinos regardless of their political affiliation, their religion or their persuasion, whether for or against this government," he said when asked if Duterte would not want Advincula dead similar to his pronouncement against dismissed anti-drug cop Eduardo Acierto.

Acierto was dismissed for his alleged involvement in illegal drugs. But he accused former presidential adviser Michael Yang of illegal drug links, which Duterte immediately debunked.

Panelo said Duterte has been in office for three years.

But nobody has been brought to court for any expression of dissent against the government, he said.

Panelo, also the chief presidential legal counsel, also belittled Advincula's claim there was threat on his life. This was why he surfaced on Monday at the Integrated Bar of the Philippines' office and sought for the lawyers' group's help in suing Duterte's relatives and former close presidential aide Christopher "Bong" Go, whom he accused of having links to illegal drug trade.

"Who would threaten him? He just came out now, suddenly, he was threatened? When he exposed that video, he was hooded. Who would threaten him if he's hooded...excuse me. How, who would threaten you, no one knew you, you just came out now," he said.

He said those investigating would soon come out with a "bombshell." He did not elaborate.

"But very obvious that it's (Bikoy's videos) a black propaganda and it's also obvious that he's only being used as a pawn," Panelo added. Celerina Monte/DMS