National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag has firmly dismissed allegations that the human trafficking charges filed against the family of former Anakalusugan Party-list Representative Mike Defensor were fueled by political interests.
The controversy follows a high-profile raid in Pasig City, which resulted in the rescue of numerous women and the subsequent filing of drug and trafficking-related complaints.
Among those recommended for prosecution are Defensor’s wife, Julie Rose, and their son, Miguel Gabriel.
In response to Julie Rose’s claims that the case was a “fabricated” political attack, Matibag defended the professionalism of his operatives.
“Sila po ‘yung nagsasabi na political, alam niyo po that is very unfair to the men and women of the law enforcement lalo na po sa NBI,” Matibag stated during a television interview.
The NBI chief maintained that the bureau’s actions are dictated solely by its legal mandate to prosecute criminal activity, regardless of the individuals involved.
He emphasized that the suspects’ own actions led to the current legal predicament.
“Wala pong politika dito, sila po ang sa sarili nila na gumawa ng ganyang bagay at kami po sa NBI, ang mandato po namin ay huliin at pananagutin sa batas ang mga gumagawa po ng ilegal na bagay po,” he added.
According to the bureau, the case is supported by a solid foundation of testimonial and documentary evidence gathered through extensive surveillance and a joint operation with local law enforcement.
The investigation reportedly uncovered a prostitution ring operating through a nightclub and an interconnected hotel, where victims were allegedly traded for sexual services.
Matibag challenged the narrative that the investigation was a retaliation for Mike Defensor’s vocal political alignments, specifically his support for former President Rodrigo Duterte.
He urged the accused to address the allegations through the proper legal channels rather than dismissing them as partisan harassment.
“Malinaw naman po ang ebidensiya nagsasabi po, so paano po magkakaroon ng politika?” Matibag questioned.
“So maganda po sagutin at ipaliwanag po sa tamang forum at wag lagi sabihin at ilihis lang na politika ito.”