Meghan Markle’s half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., has been named a person of interest in the child pornography investigation of their father Thomas Markle Sr.
In a press conference on Thursday, Philippine Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla revealed the shocking development while confirming that authorities had received information from a witness alleging that underage girls had been brought to a residence linked to the investigation.
“We have a witness (who says) that underage girls were brought to his house. We will investigate whether the son was involved in the crime,” Remulla said, according to News5 Philippines.
“Accusing only the father is only half of the police’s job,” Remulla added. “There are signs that the son is also involved in the crime, but so far only as a person of interest.”
However, officials stressed that Thomas Jr. is not currently considered a suspect and his possible involvement remains under investigation.
Remulla said 7,500 sensitive documents belonging to male and female minors of various backgrounds were recovered from a cell phone, dismantled processors and other devices.
“They presented it to me but I didn’t want to watch it because I can’t ignore it,” he said.
“This is the most deplorable display of impunity for sexual activity that I have ever seen. It is truly very disturbing,” Remulla added.
However, authorities have not yet determined whether the devices belonged to Thomas Sr. and are seeking assistance from the US FBI to help them establish ownership.
Page Six reached out to Thomas Sr., Thomas Jr., Markle’s rep and Philippine authorities for comment, but did not immediately respond.
Last month, Thomas Jr., 60, claimed to have discovered “hundreds, if not thousands” of images of child sexual abuse in four boxes in his father’s house in Cebu, Philippines.
He then reported the alleged discovery to local police and the FBI.
Thomas Sr., 82, vehemently denied the allegations, calling his son’s claims “sick lies.”
“I’m shocked, I’m hurt and I’m very upset that my son is making these accusations against me,” he told the Daily Mail at the time.
“I could never do what I’m accused of. It’s the worst thing I can be accused of.”
Despite the patriarch’s denial, Thomas Jr. requested that the allegations lead to a court appearance.
“I hope my father ends up in court here, or most likely at home in the United States, to face justice,” he told The Sun.
“This would be the best place if he wants to deny and clear his name.”
Thomas Jr. also brought in forensic experts to determine who downloaded and viewed the alleged material.
Meghan, 45, said she was “deeply disturbed” by the investigation into her estranged father.
The Duchess of Sussex also revealed that she learned of similar allegations years earlier, which influenced her decision to keep Thomas Sr. away from her and Prince Harry’s two children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-330-0226.
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