NBI denies Zaldy Co’s aide beaten, detained, flown to Chile

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday denied allegations that the aide of former lawmaker Zaldy Co was unlawfully detained, beaten, and flown to Chile to prevent him from testifying on anomalous flood control projects.

In a statement, the NBI said it issued the remark to “clarify and correct the misleading allegations made by former Congressman Mike Defensor” regarding Co’s aide, John Paul Estrada, and his wife. 

“We categorically deny the claims that Mr. Estrada and his wife were beaten or harmed… that they were unlawfully held by NBI personnel; and… they were provided with fake passports or flown out of the country to prevent testimony,” the NBI said.

“These allegations are unfounded, unsupported by evidence, and purely speculative. No complaint, report, or medical record exists showing that Mr. Estrada or his wife suffered physical harm. There is no record of their custody under the NBI,” it added.

Citing Estrada’s wife, Defensor, said in an interview with Bilyonaryo, that the couple were beaten by NBI personnel and flown to Chile with fake passports.

GMA News Online is trying to get Defensor for confirmation and more details.

Meanwhile, the bureau called on Defensor to present evidence. It said that Defensor gave his assurance that he will submit evidence regarding his claims.

It said that should the evidence warrant, the NBI will proceed with the appropriate investigative actions.

“Absent any credible proof, these allegations remain unfounded, cannot be given weight, and may even lead to prosecution for its malicious intent to undermine the credibility and integrity of the Bureau,” it said.

According to the NBI, it is already coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration regarding the matter. 

The NBI also condemned “false, malicious, or unverified statements intended to undermine the credibility and integrity” of the bureau. —AOL, GMA Integrated News