Philippine DOJ probes 80-year-old American over 2018 files

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, said she was deeply distressed by news that her father, Thomas Markle, is under investigation in the Philippines. She made the comments in a statement sent to CBS News on Friday. The Philippine Department of Justice confirmed it is looking into reports that an 80-year-old American national left child abuse videos and photos in his home in Cebu province.

A Filipino justice official told state media that the department's anti-trafficking task force is handling the matter. The official confirmed that Thomas Markle Sr. is the subject of the formal inquiry. Philippine state media reported the news on Friday via a Facebook post from the state-run Philippine News Agency.

The probe follows a report by The Sun on Thursday. The paper said Thomas Markle Jr. reported his father to Philippine authorities. The younger man allegedly found the materials in storage boxes at the family home. The Daily Mail reported on Friday that Thomas Markle Sr. denied the allegations. He was quoted as saying he had never downloaded such files and called the claims sick lies.

Meghan said she had known of the allegations since 2018. She stated that a letter was sent to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection at that time. The letter was shared with her and contained troubling allegations against her father. She said she was given assurances that the matter was being investigated. A Met spokesperson said the force is aware that officers helped pass on a letter in 2018. The spokesperson added that the police are undertaking internal enquiries to confirm this.

The Duchess addressed her distance from her father in the statement. She said she distanced herself to protect her children. She stated that her choice to limit his contact with them was for one reason: to protect them. She said she hopes this explains the distance despite media distortion over the years.

Thomas Markle Jr. reportedly made the discovery while his father was in the United States being treated for a stroke and blood clot. He first saw the materials after switching on an old cell phone at the home. In July, he reported the findings to an FBI hotline, the National Center for Exploited and Missing Children, and state police in Pennsylvania.

Meghan said her sincerest hope is that justice will be fully served. She stated that the priority remains the safety and protection of innocent children.