Cebu Police Set Seven-Day Deadline for Forensic Review of Markle Sr Computer

Seven days. That is the timeline Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla set for forensic examiners to complete a digital review of Thomas Markle Sr's seized computer in the Philippines. The device was secured by national police as part of an ongoing probe into allegations that the 80-year-old possessed child sexual abuse images.

Markle Jr, 60, told detectives that he discovered hundreds, if not thousands, of such images on computers and mobile phones stored in four boxes at a former family home in Cebu. The half-brother also contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which stated it would support Philippine authorities and investigate any federal violations of US law.

Nicholas Ty, an undersecretary at the Philippine justice department, confirmed that a human trafficking and child sexual exploitation taskforce in Cebu is handling the case. Remulla indicated that the forensic results should be available within one week, a deadline that signals a swift initial phase of the digital investigation.

Markle Sr, who is recovering from a stroke and a leg amputation at a rehabilitation center in Florida, denied the accusations. He told the Daily Mail that he was shocked and hurt by the claims, calling them sick lies. He stated that the computers had not been in his possession since he moved from Rosarito, Mexico, to the Philippines in January 2025 for a fresh start.

The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, issued a statement through a spokesperson to address the claims. She described herself as deeply distressed by the allegations. She revealed that the Metropolitan Police made her aware of disturbing allegations against her father in 2018, shortly after her wedding.

Markle said a letter sent to the Met’s Royalty and Specialist Protection unit, known as Rasp, was shared with her and contained troubling details. She stated that she was assured the allegations were being investigated at the time. She said her decision to maintain distance from her father and prevent contact with her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, was driven solely by the need to protect them.

Sources indicated that Markle could not speak publicly in 2018 because doing so might have jeopardized future investigations or exposed her to legal action. The Met has not previously investigated Markle Sr and is not doing so now, though the force is conducting internal inquiries to confirm whether Rasp officers were involved in passing the letter to the duchess.

Samantha Markle, Meghan’s half-sister, defended their father and accused Markle Jr of fabricating lies for financial gain. She noted that the computers were out of their father’s possession for two years, a period she argued left room for tampering. The family has been estranged from Meghan since her father missed her wedding to Prince Harry on health grounds.

Markle Sr returned to the United States in May after his stroke, leaving the Cebu property where the devices were found. He has never met his grandchildren, who are now seven and five years old. The Philippine investigation continues as the forensic team works within the one-week window established by Remulla.