The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said on Thursday that additional government officials have come forward and may be possible targets of blackmail following the arrest of suspects allegedly involved in a ₱350-million extortion attempt against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

According to NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag, the development came after the arrest of Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN) founder Franco Mabanta and four others allegedly linked to the scheme.

Matibag said the arrests marked a significant breakthrough in identifying those behind the attempted extortion against Romualdez, but declined to disclose further details about the government officials who may have been approached or threatened.

He further said the bureau is set to apply for a cyber warrant to examine electronic devices seized from Mabanta and his co-accused. Investigators expect the analysis to reveal whether other individuals were also threatened or victimized by the group.

“Malaking bagay ito after we open their gadgets, we will see.”

Matibag added that the examination of the devices could also help determine whether additional suspects were involved in the alleged extortion attempt against the former House Speaker.

The NBI has not released further information on the identities of the suspects or the officials who may have been targeted, citing the ongoing investigation.