By Fatma Younis
Philippines authorities have named Thomas Markle Jr, the half-brother of the Duchess of Sussex, as a person of interest in an investigation into child sexual abuse images discovered among his father's belongings. Interior Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla announced the development at a press conference in Manila on Thursday.
Investigation details
Remulla stated there are "indications suggesting that the son may also be involved in the crime," but emphasized Markle Jr is currently only a person of interest, not a suspect. Authorities uncovered more than 7,000 photographs and one video depicting underage males and females of Asian, Latin, and European descent, some as young as 10 and 11 years old. Remulla described the material as "the most deplorable displays of impunity towards sexual activity that I have ever seen."
Background of the case
The investigation into 82-year-old Thomas Markle Sr began last month after his 60-year-old son allegedly discovered hundreds of child sexual abuse images left behind at his father's home when the elder Markle moved from the Philippines earlier this year. Meghan Markle, who has been estranged from her father, said she was left "deeply distressed" by the news.
