The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has issued a subpoena to Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN) anchor CJ Hirro, tagging her as a person of interest in an alleged ₱350 million extortion attempt against former House Speaker and Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag confirmed that Hirro was summoned after she was identified in a video clip purportedly connected to the case.
“Yung video na ginamit na clip, siya yung nandoon eh. So we are investigating, This is a continuing investigation,” Matibag said.
The bureau is currently scrutinizing the roles of various staff members within the media organization to determine the extent of their involvement in the criminal plot.
“Tinitingnan namin yung mga participation ng mga individuals nung nandirito sa PGMN,” Matibag added.
The subpoena requires Hirro to present herself at the NBI’s Organized and Transnational Crimes Division (OTCD) in Pasay City on Monday, May 11.
The investigation stems from the May 5 arrest of PGMN founder Franco Mabanta, who is accused of demanding ₱350 million from Romualdez. Mabanta allegedly threatened to broadcast a video that would link the former Speaker to corrupt activities.
Several other PGMN associates were also taken into custody during the operation, including Finance Officer Ericson James Pacaba, Incorporator John Alexander Vasquez Gomez, and employees Jardine Christian Requio Serra and France Jose Gallardo.
All suspects remain in NBI-OTCD custody pending documentation and inquest proceedings.