NBI files qualified human trafficking raps vs Leviste, 6 others

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is set to file before the Department of Justice (DOJ) “qualified human trafficking” charges against Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste and former Negros Oriental Rep. Jacinto “Jing” Paras and five others after finishing its investigation into the supposed “honey trap” plot against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag revealed this in an ambush interview on Friday.

 “Qualified human trafficking yung ifa-file natin,” Matibag said, adding that the charges will be filed this Friday.

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(Qualified human trafficking is what we will file.)

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Qualified human trafficking is nonbailable.

Aside from Leviste and Paras, the NBI is also filing the same charges against talent manager Alias Ken and the four lawyers from the Rondain and Mendiola Law Firm who are supposedly tasked to create fabricated statements against Recto.

The four lawyers are Atty. Ruy Rondain, Atty. Orlando Mendiola and the firm’s two junior associates.

READ: Talent manager details alleged ‘honey trap’ plot vs Recto

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The investigation into the supposed “honey trap” operation started after Alias Ken, who was recently arrested for a human trafficking case last July 28, claimed that there is a “honey trap” plot against Recto.

Ken earlier said he met Paras and the lawyers in a restaurant in July to supposedly plan the “character assassination” scheme in which four of his female artists would issue fabricated statements claiming that Recto forced them to use illegal drugs and have sex with him.

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The lawyers, who allegedly introduced themselves as Leviste’s representatives, were tasked with crafting the “script,” or fabricated statements targeting Recto, the talent manager said.

Ken also claimed that Leviste was the financier of the supposed modus.

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All of the implicated individuals have since denied the allegations. /jpv