NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
NBI Summons PGMN Anchor CJ Hirro In Alleged Extortion Probe
Photo credit: PGMN
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has summoned Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN) anchor Camille Jensen “CJ” Hirro as part of its continuing investigation into an alleged extortion scheme involving former Speaker of the House and Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez.
A subpoena issued by the NBI’s Organized and Transnational Crime Division (OTCD) directed Hirro to appear before investigators in Pasay City on May 11, 2026, to provide testimony regarding the case.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag confirmed that Hirro is being treated as a person of interest after her name reportedly appeared in the complaint affidavit filed in connection with the case. Authorities are investigating allegations that individuals linked to PGMN attempted to demand millions of pesos in exchange for withholding the release of an alleged exposé video supposedly linking Romualdez to corruption in the House of Representatives.
Investigators said the alleged demand reached up to ₱350 million, although reports surrounding the entrapment operation indicated that the supposed arrangement involved ₱300 million to be released in four separate ₱75-million tranches.
The NBI said investigators are reviewing video clips and other evidence to determine the participation of several individuals connected to the network, including Hirro.
Matibag also emphasized that the bureau is carefully observing due process in handling the investigation to avoid accusations that the case is politically motivated.
The case stemmed from the arrest of PGMN founder Franco Mabanta and four others during an entrapment operation conducted by the NBI in Pasig City on May 5. Authorities alleged the group attempted to extort money from Romualdez in exchange for not releasing online content supposedly damaging to the lawmaker.
Mabanta has denied the allegations and claimed the operation was a setup, while the NBI maintained that the arrests were backed by evidence gathered during the investigation.
A subpoena issued by the NBI’s Organized and Transnational Crime Division (OTCD) directed Hirro to appear before investigators in Pasay City on May 11, 2026, to provide testimony regarding the case.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag confirmed that Hirro is being treated as a person of interest after her name reportedly appeared in the complaint affidavit filed in connection with the case. Authorities are investigating allegations that individuals linked to PGMN attempted to demand millions of pesos in exchange for withholding the release of an alleged exposé video supposedly linking Romualdez to corruption in the House of Representatives.
Investigators said the alleged demand reached up to ₱350 million, although reports surrounding the entrapment operation indicated that the supposed arrangement involved ₱300 million to be released in four separate ₱75-million tranches.
The NBI said investigators are reviewing video clips and other evidence to determine the participation of several individuals connected to the network, including Hirro.
Matibag also emphasized that the bureau is carefully observing due process in handling the investigation to avoid accusations that the case is politically motivated.
The case stemmed from the arrest of PGMN founder Franco Mabanta and four others during an entrapment operation conducted by the NBI in Pasig City on May 5. Authorities alleged the group attempted to extort money from Romualdez in exchange for not releasing online content supposedly damaging to the lawmaker.
Mabanta has denied the allegations and claimed the operation was a setup, while the NBI maintained that the arrests were backed by evidence gathered during the investigation.
May 8, 2026
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