NBI Denies Allegations of Illegal Detention and Covert Flight in Flood Control Scandal

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has categorically denied accusations made by former Congressman Mike Defensor regarding the alleged unlawful detention, assault, and clandestine transportation of an aide linked to former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co. Defensor, previously an Anakalusugan Representative, alleged that John Paul Estrada, an aide to Co, and Estrada’s pregnant wife were subjected to violence, illegal confinement by NBI operatives, and subsequently transported to Chile using falsified passports to obstruct Estrada from testifying in relation to a flood control scandal.

Estrada came under scrutiny during a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing when a witness asserted that he regularly received suitcases containing cash purportedly destined for Co.

Responding to these allegations, the NBI issued a statement asserting, "We categorically deny the claims that Mr. Estrada and his wife were beaten or harmed." The agency emphasized the absence of any complaints, medical documentation, or official reports supporting allegations of physical abuse.

Additionally, the bureau refuted claims of unlawful custody, noting there are no records indicating Estrada or his wife were held by NBI personnel. The NBI also denied the assertion that the couple obtained false passports or were flown abroad to evade testimony.

Labeling the accusations as "unfounded, unsupported by evidence, and purely speculative," the NBI challenged Defensor to provide substantial proof to back his statements. "We call on Mr. Defensor to present verifiable evidence, not hearsay, should he persist in making these accusations," the statement concluded.

The situation remains under public scrutiny as the flood control scandal continues to unfold, with authorities urging transparency and evidentiary support for serious claims.