The man who accused Meghan Markle’s father of possessing child sexual abuse material is now facing scrutiny himself. Philippine authorities have named Thomas Markle Jr. a person of interest in the investigation he helped set in motion, following a witness’s disturbing allegations about underage girls being brought to a residence connected to the case.
According to The New York Post, Philippine Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced the development at a press conference on Thursday, November 5, saying investigators are examining whether Thomas Jr., 60, was involved in the alleged offenses.
“We have a witness [who says] underage girls were being brought to his house. We will investigate whether the son was involved in the crime,” Remulla said.
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And investigators aren’t stopping with the allegations against Thomas Markle Sr.
“To accuse the father only is only half the police work,” Remulla said. “There are signs that point that the son is involved in the crime as well but only as a person of interest so far.”
The announcement follows another significant discovery. Investigators reportedly recovered approximately 7,500 items of suspected child sexual abuse material involving underage boys and girls from a cellphone, dismantled computer equipment, and other electronic devices.
Remulla described the recovered material as deeply disturbing.
“They presented it to me but I didn’t want to look because I can’t unsee it,” he said.
Crucially, investigators have not established who owned the devices or who accessed the material. Philippine authorities are seeking assistance from the FBI to determine ownership and examine the digital evidence.
That unanswered question has taken on new significance because Thomas Jr. initially brought the allegations to authorities.
Last month, he claimed to have discovered “hundreds, if not thousands” of suspected abuse images among belongings at his father’s former residence in Cebu, Philippines. He subsequently contacted local police and the FBI.
Thomas Sr., 82, rejected his son’s allegations.
“I’m shocked, I’m hurt and I’m very upset that my son is making these accusations against me,” he said. “I could never do what I’m being accused of. It’s the worst thing anyone could accuse me of.”
Thomas Jr. previously urged investigators to establish who downloaded and viewed the material, while calling for his father to answer the allegations in court.
Meanwhile, the investigation has revived questions about warnings British authorities received years earlier.
According to The Sunday Times, Meghan wanted to speak publicly in 2019 after learning about allegations involving her father. A royal protection officer allegedly advised her, “Leave it with us, we’ll investigate it.”
Scotland Yard later acknowledged that it didn’t forward the allegations to overseas law enforcement agencies. Its handling of the warning is now under independent investigation.
With Thomas Jr. now under examination, investigators face a central question: who actually possessed or accessed the recovered material?
If you suspect child sexual exploitation or human trafficking, confidential help is available. Report suspected child sexual abuse material to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s CyberTipline at 1-800-843-5678. For suspected human trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
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