National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag revealed on Tuesday that a cyberwarrant was issued last Friday for the gadgets of Peanut Gallery Media Network founder Franco Mabanta.
Matibag said the document would allow authorities to examine the call history of Mabanta and four others accused of extorting P350 million for an “exposé” video.
“We received an order allowing us to have access to the seized gadgets, including those of Franco Mabanta,” Matibag said during a press event.
A cyberwarrant is issued for cases involving the use of computer hardware and software to commit crimes.
“Legally, we can obtain information, videos, pictures, text messages, text logs, everything. We will have access to the personalities he communicated with,” Matibag explained.
The NBI chief also said the agency remains open to receiving more testimonies from politicians who had transactions with Mabanta and his team.
Former Quezon City Representative Marvin Rillo earlier filed separate cyberlibel charges against PGMN anchor CJ Hirro over alleged defamation.
Mabanta’s “exposé” video was released on May 10, a day after he was temporarily freed following his bail application.
