IBP: 'Bikoy' not yet a client

The National Center for Legal Aid of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (NCLA-IBP) is still in the process of evaluating the case of Peter Joemel Advincula, who claims to be "Bikoy."

The group also said that Advincula was not under their custody.

"We'll have certain tests before NCLA-IBP can accept a client," IBP President Atty. Abdiel Dan Fajardo told reporters after Advincula gave his speech.

Fajardo said the NCLA, IBP's legal aid unit, has yet to determine if Advincula's case has merit and if he really does not have sufficient means to receive legal assistance from private lawyers.

He added that Advincula just showed up at the IBP's office with nuns on Monday.

Advincula appeared at the IBP Office on Monday claiming to be the hooded man shown in the series of video entitled, "Ang Totoong Narco List," that linked Duterte family members to the drug trade.

Advincula said he surfaced due to threats against his life and added that he is ready to face a Senate inquiry.

"Handa po akong humarap sa anumang imbestigasyon ng Senado upang patotohanan ang lahat ng inilabas ko sa video serye," he said.

The Philippine National Police, on the other hand, said it will still validate Advincula's identity.

"The PNP will continue its investigation and validate his identity as we do not take his claim at surface level. We will ascertain his identity based on evidence," PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Bernard Banac said in a statement.

"If he is willing, he may come over either to the NBI [National Bureau of Investigation] or the PNP," he added. — BAP, GMA News