The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has condemned the alleged use of fabricated stories to destroy political rivals, with Director Melvin Matibag describing the practice as "so sad" if proven true.

Matibag stressed that while the allegations remain under investigation, weaponizing false accusations for political purposes, if established, is a disturbing development that should not be be tolerated in a democratic society.

He reiterated that all individuals named in the investigation would be afforded due process and that no conclusions have been reached regarding their liability.

Matibag made the statement amid the bureau's probe into an alleged plot to frame Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.

He said it is alarming that some individuals would allegedly go to great lengths to malign public officials because of political differences.

“This is so sad. Hindi maganda na pangitain. Umabot na tayo sa punto na gagawa ng storya para sirain lang ang mga hindi nila kaparehas ng paniniwala sa larangan ng pulitika at pangulo,” Matibag said.

His remarks came after the NBI disclosed that its investigation into a suspected human trafficking operation allegedly uncovered a separate scheme to implicate Recto through fabricated allegations.

The bureau has expanded its investigation, with Matibag announcing that subpoenas will be issued to Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste and former Negros congressman Jacinto “Jing” Paras.

The NBI is also looking into claims that lawyers allegedly helped prepare affidavits and fabricate criminal complaints against the Executive Secretary.

Matibag said the bureau would allow the evidence to determine whether criminal and administrative charges should be filed.

The alleged scheme surfaced during an NBI operation targeting a suspected human trafficking network.

Agents arrested a suspected pimp during an entrapment operation at a five-star hotel in Manila, where five women were also rescued.

According to Matibag, the operation initially focused on alleged trafficking activities but later uncovered information pointing to a purported political plot.

“Lumalabas, hindi lang si ES ang target dito. Parang it's one of the many plans nila… And character assassination ang term na puwedeng gamitin,” Matibag said.

The suspect allegedly identified Paras as the person who first contacted him regarding the purported scheme.

“Si former congressman Jing Paras, siya yung kumausap, kumontak dito sa pimp na ito,” Matibag said.