DOJ builds case vs. Meghan Markle's father over child abuse materials
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is continuing its investigation into Thomas Markle Sr., the estranged father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, over suspected child sexual abuse and exploitation materials (CSAEM) recovered from belongings linked to him in Cebu.
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said Thursday, 12 November 2026, that investigators were working to establish whether the 82-year-old American possessed the materials and whether sufficient evidence exists to pursue criminal charges in the Philippines.
The investigation is being conducted by the DOJ and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), in coordination with the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).
“Patuloy ang case build-up kasi ang pagkakaalam ko, 2022 wala na siya, pero mayroon nakitang gamit na kung tawagin natin pornographic, o yung kung tawagin natin ay CSAEM,” Vida said.
The justice secretary stressed that investigators must establish a clear connection between Markle and the recovered materials before pursuing charges.
“We need to establish the link; before someone can be charged or indicted for a criminal offense, we must be certain that he is the one responsible,” Vida said.
Evidence under examination
The Philippine investigation began after Markle's son, Thomas Markle Jr., reportedly discovered suspected child abuse materials while sorting through his father's belongings in Cebu.
The younger Markle subsequently turned over electronic devices and other items to Philippine authorities for examination.
Police earlier reported finding suspected child sexual abuse materials on several devices but stressed that the discovery alone did not establish who owned, produced or distributed the content.
The DOJ and IACAT's regional teams in Central Visayas are coordinating with the PNP-CIDG as investigators examine the materials' origins, digital records and possible links to individuals involved.
Markle Sr. had left the Philippines for the United States in May 2026.
Separate US case
The Philippine investigation comes as Markle faces a separate federal criminal case in the United States.
US authorities arrested him in Florida on 6 November 2026 on charges involving possession of child sexual abuse materials. He was subsequently released under court-imposed conditions.
The US proceedings are separate from the Philippine investigation, which seeks to determine whether offenses were committed under Philippine law.
Vida emphasized that the DOJ must establish sufficient evidence before filing any local charges against Markle.
The investigation remains ongoing.