PNP now in custody of Markle’s laptop

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday confirmed that it has secured a laptop belonging to Thomas Markle Sr., the estranged father of Meghan Markle, as authorities investigate reports of suspected child sexual abuse and exploitation materials (CSAEM).

“The PNP is conducting an investigation into the reported discovery of suspected child sexual abuse and exploitation materials (CSAEM) and other personal belongings allegedly linked to Mr. Thomas W. Markle Sr.,” PNP spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co told the DAILY TRIBUNE.

Co said the Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC)–Visayas Field Unit is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 7 (RACU 7) and the Regional Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking 7 (RIACAT 7).

He added that the items voluntarily turned over by Thomas Markle Jr. had been properly inventoried and placed under police custody.

“The PNP will first secure the appropriate warrant before any examination of the data from the digital devices can be conducted,” Co said, adding that investigators are determining the nature and origin of the materials and whether they may be linked to any violation of law.

Co said US authorities had also offered assistance should Philippine investigators determine that their support is needed as the investigation progresses.

“To protect the integrity of the investigation and the privacy of any possible victims, we cannot release further details for now. We will provide updates once these can be shared,” he said.

On Saturday, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla said the laptop was undergoing forensic examination, with authorities expected to provide results within a week.

Remulla said Thomas Markle Jr. had turned over materials suspected to contain child sexual abuse images, prompting the investigation.

“His laptop has been secured and is undergoing forensic investigation,” Remulla said.

He added that authorities would coordinate with their counterparts to determine the appropriate legal action against Markle Sr. if sufficient evidence is found to support charges.

Markle Sr. had been living in Cebu before reportedly returning to the United States earlier this year, Remulla said.

A British tabloid reported last week that Thomas Markle Jr. discovered the suspected images while going through boxes at his father’s former residence. Markle Sr. has denied the allegations.

On 23 October, Meghan Markle said she was “deeply distressed” by the allegations involving her father. She also said she had blocked contact between him and her children following earlier allegations she described as “troubling and disturbing.”

The Duchess of Sussex said she had seen a letter sent to London’s Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection in 2018 that raised similar concerns. She said she had been assured that the allegations were being investigated.

London’s Metropolitan Police said it had shared the information with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry but had not passed it on to other law enforcement agencies.

Meghan married Prince Harry in 2018. The couple stepped back from their roles as senior working royals in 2020 and subsequently relocated to the United States.