Batangas Representative Leandro Leviste, former Congressman Jacinto “Jing” Paras, and several others allegedly involved in a supposed plot to frame Executive Secretary Ralph Recto could face charges of human trafficking, perjury and conspiracy, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director Melvin Matibag said Tuesday.

Matibag said investigators are focusing on the alleged exploitation of women who were reportedly recruited because they were in financial straits.

“One of the most serious cases we are looking into is possible human trafficking. These women were allegedly targeted because they were in financial distress. They were brought to a place, talked into it, and taken advantage of,” he said.

The NBI is also examining possible liability for allegedly inducing individuals to execute false affidavits and testify about crimes that never occurred.

“If you persuade someone to become a false witness in a crime that did not happen, there is liability under the Revised Penal Code. If the statement is false, that is perjury,” he said, adding that those who acted together could also be charged under the principle of conspiracy.

The investigation stemmed from a human trafficking entrapment operation at a five-star hotel in Manila, where NBI agents arrested a suspected talent manager and rescued five women.

According to Matibag, the probe uncovered allegations the women were to be used in a scheme to frame Recto.

The talent manager identified Paras as the person who contacted him for the operation, while Leviste was allegedly the financier.

Matibag said investigators have obtained sworn statements from witnesses identified as “Jen” and “Ken,” as well as Viber exchanges allegedly linking Paras to the talent manager.

“Because they denied it, I want them to categorically deny under oath that they do not know the person, that the incident never happened, and that there was never such a plan,” he said.

Matibag also disclosed that subpoenas for Paras and Leviste were signed last Friday and will be served by the bureau.

He said body camera footage from the operation captured one of those arrested saying, “Maybe we’re being pressured. Is this because of the work we were asked to do involving Senator Ralph Recto?”

The rescued women, whom the NBI considers trafficking victims, have been turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, while the alleged talent manager has undergone an inquest for qualified human trafficking.

Matibag stressed that the investigation would proceed regardless of personal ties, as he acknowledged having previously mentored Leviste and being close to his family.

Paras and Leviste have denied the allegations.