Philippine authorities have confirmed that forensic probes into items allegedly belonging to Thomas Markle, Meghan Markle's estranged father, have uncovered multiple files containing child abuse imagery. The haul was reportedly left at his property in Cebu City.
Investigation sparked by son's alert
The investigation began last month after Markle's son, Thomas Markle Jr, alerted authorities, claiming to have found hundreds, if not thousands, of vile images at his father's former Asian residence. He handed over boxes of material, triggering a multi-agency hunt. Thomas Markle Snr denies all allegations against him.
According to The Times, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is investigating whether Markle appears in the images, who produced them, and who owns the devices. Major General Wilson Asueta, the PNP's acting director for investigation management, confirmed on Tuesday that Philippine investigators have not been in contact with British police.
Devices under examination
Philippine detectives are combing through a haul of tech, including nine mobile phones, three SD cards, five hard drives, a camera, and printed materials. A police official warned, "If there is evidence then we will file a case."
A senior officer revealed the material does not appear to have originated in the Philippines but involves both Asian and Caucasian minors, with videos depicting young male and female children. Markle moved to Cebu City with his son in January last year before returning to the US in May due to failing health.
Ownership still under question
While authorities have not officially confirmed the seized devices belonged to Markle, his son insists they do. Major General Asueta confirmed ownership remains an active part of the investigation, adding that detectives are closely examining the circumstances surrounding Thomas Markle Jr's involvement. No formal complaint has yet been lodged against Thomas Markle Snr.
The Duchess of Sussex has previously revealed that Scotland Yard detectives presented her with a letter containing "disturbing and troubling allegations" about her estranged father in 2019. The letter, believed to have been penned by Markle's late former wife Roslyn Loveless, contained the allegation that he travelled to Asia because "12-year-olds are legal there." The Met Police has referred itself to the police watchdog after failing to flag these claims to foreign authorities.
