PNP tracking down Thomas Markle’s accomplices

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is intensifying efforts to identify possible local accomplices, including those who may have facilitated or participated in the crimes of American Thomas Markle who is accused of sexually exploiting children.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said investigators are working to establish the extent of Markle’s activities in the country and determine whether he had local associates.

“Child exploitation is not the work of one person alone. Others enable, facilitate or profit from the abuse. We will pursue every lead and identify everyone involved,” Nartatez said.

He added that the PNP’s responsibility “is not only to hold the principal suspect accountable but also to dismantle the network that allows these crimes to happen.”

Markle, 82, was arrested in Florida over possession of child sexual abuse materials, including photographs of himself with naked minors. He appeared before US magistrate judge Thomas Wilson at a courthouse in Tampa, Florida.

Police earlier reported that three memory cards and a cellphone turned over by Markle’s son contained child sexual abuse material.

Nartatez urged people who may have been victimized by Markle to come forward and file formal complaints, saying their accounts could help strengthen the case against the suspect and identify other people involved.