NBI broadens probe beyond P55 million SEAG cauldron

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is expanding its investigation into the 2019 Southeast Asian Games beyond the P55-million cauldron, with investigators now examining supplies, events, ticket sales and other financial transactions.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag said yesterday that 30 more people are being summoned and asked to submit documents, as the agency builds possible cases.

The NBI issued summonses to former Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee board members and incorporators who have yet to personally appear before investigators.

“When we first summoned them, they sent a lawyer. When we asked for the lawyer’s engagement agreement and special power to represent them, the lawyer said he would return. He never came back,” Matibag said.

He stressed that the NBI is no longer limiting the probe to the cauldron, noting that the other transactions that surfaced need to be examined.

“We are also looking into the events themselves, the supplies and the purchase of tickets,” Matibag said.

Investigators found that the committee continued operating after the SEA Games and subsequently sponsored other international sporting events, with money continuing to flow into the organization.

The NBI has obtained information from officials of various sports organizations, including reports that some associations were pressured to sign documents involving supplies purchased for their respective events.

Matibag said the accounts of sports officials are helping investigators piece together the transactions.