The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has identified Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN) host CJ Hirro as a person of interest in the ongoing investigation into an alleged P350 million extortion case involving former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
According to NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag, Hirro’s name appeared in the complaint affidavit filed by Noah Nocon, a longtime aide of Romualdez.
Matibag said the agency plans to summon Hirro to provide a statement regarding the allegations connected to the case.
The NBI chief also said the investigation may be expanded to determine the possible participation of other personalities linked to PGMN.
Meanwhile, Matibag strongly denied allegations made by PGMN founder and CEO Franco Mabanta that the NBI operation was allegedly a “setup.”
He maintained that the actions of NBI operatives were fair and based on evidence and proper legal procedures.
On the other hand, Mabanta’s legal counsel, Atty. Bernice Piñol Rodriguez, questioned the NBI’s decision to classify Hirro as a person of interest in the investigation.
Matibag also confirmed that the NBI has already issued a subpoena for Hirro.
The alleged extortion case has drawn public attention following claims involving personalities connected to PGMN and individuals associated with Romualdez.
Authorities have not yet released additional details regarding the specific allegations contained in the complaint affidavit.
The NBI said its investigation is ongoing as the agency continues to gather statements and evidence related to the case.
No formal charges against Hirro were mentioned in the statement released by the NBI, which currently considers him a person of interest as part of the broader investigation into the alleged extortion complaint.
