In Philippines, mysterious whistle-blower claiming Duterte’s family took millions in drug kickbacks unveils his identity
- Peter Joemel Advincula says he’s the man seen in five YouTube videos implicating the president’s family as ‘principal’ operators in the country’s drug trade
An anonymous whistle-blower who appeared shrouded by darkness in videos accusing Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s family of taking millions from a drug syndicate has stunned the nation by revealing his identity.
The hooded figure known as Bikoy on Monday unveiled himself as a bald, round-faced man with glasses, after claiming in the clips that he used to keep financial records for a drug syndicate called the “Quadrangle Group” which included members of the president’s family and a close aide.
Peter Joemel Advincula said he was the man seen in five YouTube videos implicating the president’s son and former aide as “principal” operators in the country’s drug trade.
Reaction was swift from Malacanang Palace, the president’s official residence. Spokesman Salvador Panelo said: “As far as we are concerned, the video is black propaganda against the government.”
Advincula, who appears to be in his 30s or 40s, said he decided to surface so he could take legal action after he received death threats, and because his conscience weighed on him.
