Manila Probe: Philippine DOJ Examines Markle Home
The investigation into Thomas Markle Jr.'s father follows claims that digital abuse files were found in Cebu province, a finding Meghan Markle says she learned of in 2018.
By Alina Carter ·
An eight-decade-old American man now faces a formal investigation in the Philippines over alleged child sexual abuse materials found in his home. The probe was confirmed on Friday by state media, marking the first official government response to reports that surfaced earlier this week in British tabloids.
The Department of Justice stated that its anti-trafficking task force is handling the matter. According to the Philippine News Agency, the inquiry focuses on an octogenarian U.S. national who allegedly left videos and photos of child abuse at a residence in Cebu province. A Filipino justice official confirmed to the agency that Thomas Markle Sr. is the specific subject of this review.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, responded to the news with a statement sent to CBS News on Friday. She described herself as "deeply distressed" by the developments. The duchess revealed that she has been aware of allegations against her father since 2018. Her statement noted that a letter containing "troubling and disturbing allegations" was sent to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection at that time.
Meghan said she was given assurances that the 2018 report was being investigated. However, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson clarified on Friday that the force is not currently investigating Thomas Markle. The spokesperson added that the Met is undertaking internal enquiries to confirm that officers from its Royalty and Specialist Protection Command helped pass on a letter during that period.
The allegations originated from Thomas Markle Jr., who told The Sun on Thursday that he reported his father to Philippine authorities. The younger Markle claimed he found the materials in storage boxes while his father was in the United States receiving treatment for a stroke and blood clot. He said he first saw the files after powering on an old cell phone at the family home.
Thomas Markle Jr. reportedly contacted an FBI hotline, the National Center for Exploited and Missing Children, and Pennsylvania state police in July. The Daily Mail quoted Thomas Markle Sr. on Friday, where he denied the claims. "I have never downloaded anything like that in my life," he said, describing the accusations as "sick lies."
Meghan also addressed her estrangement from her father in her statement. She explained that her decision to limit contact was made to protect her children. "I hope it can now be understood that.. any distance from my father and my choice to not allow him to have contact with our children, was for one reason: to protect them," she wrote. She concluded by stating her hope that justice is fully served and that the priority remains the safety of innocent children.
