MANILA— The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is tracing the flow of money allegedly delivered to members of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s family by a former bodyguard of ex-Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, as investigators examine possible links to property acquisitions and money laundering.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the agency is investigating whether funds were used to acquire and accumulate land as investments, a practice known as land banking. During a press briefing, he presented photos and videos of properties he said were linked to the Duterte family.

The investigation is also examining whether the properties’ estimated market values are consistent with those declared in Vice President Sara Duterte’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).

Matibag cited one property declared to be worth approximately PHP890,000 but estimated to have a value of as much as PHP60 million.

“We are investigating this because we are following the pattern na na-establish natin sa Gracioso affidavit. Ibig-sabihin, may pera. Saan pumunta ‘yung pera?,” Matibag said.

“Dito lumalabas ngayon na ‘yung mga properties, ‘yung mga pera, inilalagay sa mga land banking and we are seriously looking into it. May allegations si Gracioso na may perang dinadala sa mga Duterte,” he added.

The NBI is currently processing the affidavit of Rodulfo Gracioso, a dismissed police officer who previously served as Velasco’s bodyguard. His allegations form part of the pattern of transactions investigators are examining.

Matibag also cited a connection between Vice President Duterte and businessman Jaime T. Cruz, saying the agency is looking into interests or ownership declared in the vice president’s SALN that do not appear in the corporate records of the companies involved.

The investigation is further determining whether the funds may have originated from foreign entities, which Matibag said could have implications for national security.

(PNA)