Philippine DOJ Opens Probe Into 80-Year-Old American Over Alleged Abuse Files
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, stated she received written notice of the allegations in 2018 and has since distanced her children from her father.
By Bianca Shevchenko ·
An 80-year-old American national is the subject of a formal investigation by the Philippine Department of Justice, which is examining reports that child sexual abuse materials were found in his residence in Cebu province. The probe, confirmed by state media on Friday, focuses on digital files allegedly left behind by Thomas Markle Sr. at the family home.
The situation traces back to July of this year, when Thomas Markle Jr. discovered the materials during a period when his father was in the United States receiving treatment for a stroke and a blood clot. According to reports, the younger Markle found the files after powering on an old cell phone in the storage unit. He subsequently reported the discovery to the FBI hotline, the National Center for Exploited and Missing Children, and state police in Pennsylvania.
In the United States, The Sun reported on Thursday that Thomas Markle Jr. had reported his father to Philippine authorities. Markle Jr. maintains that he found the items in boxes at the home. In a separate report by The Daily Mail, Markle Sr. denied possessing the files, stating, "I have never downloaded anything like that in my life," and characterizing the claims as "sick lies."
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, addressed the investigation in a statement sent to CBS News on Friday. She described herself as "deeply distressed" by the reports. The duchess stated that she had been aware of the allegations since 2018, when a letter containing "troubling and disturbing" claims about her father was sent to the Metropolitan Police's Royalty and Specialist Protection Command.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed the force is aware of media reports regarding the 2018 letter. The spokesperson noted that the police are "undertaking enquiries internally in an effort to confirm" the details of the letter's transmission, though the force is not currently investigating Markle Sr.
Meghan also explained the distance between herself and her father, attributing the estrangement to a desire to protect her children. She stated that her choice to limit contact was made to ensure their safety, a sentiment she has maintained despite media coverage of their relationship.
The Philippine News Agency, a state-run outlet, detailed the current status of the case in a social media post. A Filipino justice official confirmed that the Department of Justice's anti-trafficking task force is handling the matter. The investigation remains active as authorities review the evidence collected from the Cebu property.
Meghan concluded her statement by expressing the hope that "justice will be fully served and that the priority remains the safety and protection of innocent children."
Source: CBS News
