NBI denies allegations of beating, unlawful detention of Zaldy Co aide

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has denied allegations that an aide of former lawmaker Zaldy Co and his wife were beaten, unlawfully detained, and flown to Chile with fake passports to prevent testimony on flood control projects.

The NBI issued a statement to clarify and correct what it called misleading allegations made by former Congressman Mike Defensor.

The bureau categorically denied claims that John Paul Estrada and his wife were harmed, unlawfully held by NBI personnel, or provided with fake passports to leave the country.

The NBI stated that the allegations are unfounded and unsupported by evidence, citing the absence of any complaint, report, or medical record indicating physical harm or NBI custody.

Mike Defensor had claimed, citing Estrada's wife, that the couple were beaten by NBI personnel and flown to Chile using fake passports.

The NBI has urged Defensor to present evidence to support his claims, recalling his assurance that he would submit such proof.