MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has identified Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN) anchor CJ Hirro as a “person of interest” in the alleged extortion attempt against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

In a report, NBI Director Melvin Matibag said Hirro would be summoned as part of the investigation because she appeared in a video clip allegedly linked to the case.

“Yung video na ginamit na clip, siya yung nandoon. Ipapatawag namin siya. We will go through the process,” Matibag said in a report aired on GMA News’ “24 Oras” on Thursday.

(The video clip used, she is the one there. We will summon her. We will go through the process.)

Matibag also said authorities exercised restraint despite claims that Hirro could have already been included in the complaint.

“Actually, kung tutuusin, based doon sa complaint na binigay, dapat napasama na siya. But we want to exercise caution,” he added.

(Actually, based on the complaint that was filed, she should have been arrested. But we want to exercise caution.)

The NBI earlier announced the arrest of online media personality Franco Mabanta during an entrapment operation over the alleged extortion attempt against Romualdez.

Authorities said Mabanta claimed to possess videos allegedly linking Romualdez to the flood control controversy and supposedly demanded PHP350 million in exchange for not releasing the videos through PGMN.

Mabanta was arrested after allegedly receiving the money.

He has denied the accusations.

The NBI said it has sought a cyber warrant to examine electronic gadgets seized from the suspects.

During the inquest proceedings, Mabanta’s lawyer, Bernice Piñol-Rodriguez, said the defense remains confident about challenging the complaint.

“We felt very confident of our defense. We saw the fatal flaws of the complaint affidavit, the evidence that they’ve attached, and we are really confident that we built a very strong defense,” she said.

The NBI also denied allegations that the operation was staged.

According to Matibag, investigators documented the suspects’ phone conversations, text messages, and movements before the arrest operation.

He added that other government officials and private individuals have also contacted the NBI regarding similar incidents.

Meanwhile, Romualdez’s camp dismissed allegations by PGMN that the former House Speaker was attempting to silence the network.

“Romualdez simply did what any person exposed to the same circumstance would do — he reported the matter to the proper authorities, and the NBI acted on that report pursuant to its mandate under the law,” lawyer Elaine Atienza said.

“Such conduct undermines legitimate journalism and damages public trust in genuine media institutions,” she added.