Video links Paolo to drugs; Duterte’s son lashes out at supposed uploader

An anonymous video uploader has linked presidential son Paolo Duterte as one of the principals of an illegal drug syndicate in the country.

According to a report by Ivan Mayrina in GMA's 24 Oras on Wednesday, a certain "Bikoy" confessed in the video with the title "Ang Totoong Narcolist" that he was a former member of a drug syndicate.

The video said President Rodrigo Duterte released a narco list to divert attention from the syndicate in which Paolo is involved.

A document called "tara" was shown. It supposedly detailed the amounts received by those involved in the drug trade.

"Siya ay gumagamit ng dalawang code name Polo Delta -TSG01 at Alpha Tierra-0029. Tama. Ang unang principal ng sindikato ay walang iba kundi si Paolo Duterte," the narrator said.

"Ngayon, alam niyo na kung bakit naglabas ng fake narcolist si Pangulong Duterte. Upang malayo ang atensyon sa tunay na principal ng totoong sindikato," he added.

Paolo has denied the allegation.

"Wow ha kung makaimbento ka wagas," Paolo said in a Facebook post.

In the statement, it appeared that he already knew the person behind the video.

"Galit ka kay Waldo kasi binabara niya lahat ng smuggling mo ng bigas at asukal diba J.S. Galit ka sa akin kasi di kita pinansin sa eroplano kasi hambog ka!" Paolo said.

"Ngayon pansinin na kita kasama ng kamay ko na kasing laki ng mukha mo pag nangyari yan. Yan ang totoong balita!"

Malacañang said the video was a mere propaganda.

"It’s obviously a black propaganda intended to besmirch and destroy President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and his family," presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

"But just like the other false narratives against the President, it will not succeed as the overwhelming majority of the Fiipino people trust his sincerity and fidelity to his duty as President in serving and protecting the citizenry as well as believe in his incorruptibility," he added.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Oscar Albayalde expressed doubt that the video could be admitted as evidence in court.

"We question the timing also dahil eleksyon po ngayon at napaka-very unlikely dahil sabi ko nga ngayon lang ako nakakita na kung saan merong tara, formal report pa. Very unlikely na gagawa ka ng formal report at pipirmahan ng kung sinu-sino," Albayalde said.

Paolo Duterte is running for congressman of Davao City’s first district.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) also do not trust the veracity of the video.

"It's just like any other post in social media not unless po they will provide us or furnish us or any other law enforcement agencies with the copies of the documents that they are pertaining to. Mahirap pong manghusga o magsabi tungkol diyan sa mga sinasabi po nila," PDEA spokesperson Derrick Carreon said. —Dona Magsino/NB, GMA News