NBI subpoenas CJ Hirro over Mabanta's alleged extortion try on Romualdez

The National Bureau of Investigation has issued a subpoena against Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN) anchor CJ Hirro in relation to an alleged extortion try of Franco Mabanta on former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Based on the summons, Hirro was asked to appear before the Office of the Organized and Transnational Crimes Division (OTCD) of the NBI in Pasay City on Monday, May 11.

She is being asked “to shed light on the investigation being conducted by this Bureau on the complaint of Former Speaker MARTIN ROMUALDEZ against FRANCO MABANTA et. al. for alleged Robbery (Extortion) as defined and penalized under Article 294 of the Revised Penal Code as amended in relation to Republic Act no 10175 otherwise known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.”

However, the NBI said that Hirro was allegedly in hiding after she was not found at her known addresses or at the PGMN office, according to a report by John Consulta.

Prior to this, Hirro was considered a "person of interest" in the alleged extortion try on Romualdez.

“Yung video na ginamit na clip, siya yung nandoon. Ipapatawag namin siya. We will go through the process,” NBI director Atty. Melvin Matibag said in a report of GMA News’ Consulta on 24 Oras Thursday.

(The video clip used, she is the one there. We will summon her. We will go through the process.)

“Actually, kung tutuusin, based doon sa complaint na binigay, dapat napasama na siya. But we want to exercise caution,” he added.

GMA News has been trying to get Hirro’s side on the matter.

On Wednesday, the NBI said it arrested Mabanta in an entrapment operation after an alleged extortion try on the former Speaker.

Mabanta allegedly claimed he possesses videos implicating Romualdez in the flood control scandal. He allegedly pressed Romualdez to pay P350 million or else he will release the said videos via PGMN.

Mabanta has denied the allegations.—Jamil Santos/AOL, GMA News