Agents probe ‘forged’ Marcos signature

THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) are investigating the alleged forgery of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s signature for the supposed appointment of the new commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

“As of yesterday afternoon (Aug. 30, 2022), I was informed by [Justice] Secretary Boying Remulla that the NBI has already commenced its investigation,” Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said in a press briefing on Wednesday, Aug. 31.

In a statement, CIDG Director Brigadier General Ronald Lee said they have also already begun their probe.

Lee said he ordered an indepth investigation to find the source of distribution and circulation of the said document.

He said those involved in the illegal act will be facing punishment in violation of Article 161 of the Revised Penal Code, or counterfeiting the great seal of the government of the Philippine Islands, forging the signature or stamp of the chief executive.

“Babantayan namin ito hanggang matunton natin ang may kagagawan (We will keep watch on this until we find the perpatrator). We are also encouraging our friends from the media to join us (CIDG) in seeking the truth and to come forward if they have any knowledge about this incident,” said Lee.

Angeles earlier denied the appointment of a new BI commissioner, saying that the supposed letter of appointment bears a forged signature of the President.

In a Laging Handa public briefing, Department of Justice spokesman Mico Clavano said they have identified a person of interest or suspect for the forged document, but he refused to divulge the person’s identity pending the completion of the probe.