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Alleged ouster plots against Rodrigo Duterte

(Redirected from Ouster plot against Rodrigo Duterte conspiracy theories)

Since the win of President Rodrigo Duterte in the 2016 Philippine presidential election, his presidency has been marked with controversy. Because of this, two attempts were allegedly made to oust him, namely the Red October plot and the Ang Totoong Narcolist videos. The former was an alleged ouster plot, while the latter was a series of videos published in YouTube allegedly exposing Duterte-aligned figures. In response to the videos, a matrix was made allegedly listing the figures wanting to oust Duterte.

Background

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In an interview with Rappler in the late months of 2015, Duterte announced his candidacy for president in the upcoming 2016 Philippine presidential election.[1] He filed his Certificate of Candidacy for the presidential election a few days later, withdrawing from the mayoral race of Davao City.[2] After intense competition, he won with a total vote count of 16.6 million.[3] His presidency was controversial, with his presidency marked by an intensive crackdown on illegal drugs. In his first 100 days, the Philippine National Police (PNP) killed approximately 3,600 people. The government carried out thousands of raids. Because of this, he was involved in a conflict against the United Nations, the European Union, and other organizations.[4]

"Red October" plot

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Main article: Red October (ouster plot)

In Davao City, Duterte accused the opposition of creating an ouster plot on September 8, 2018 with opposition stating that he was a victim of his own "paranoia".[5] A protest was planned during this time, but nothing happened in the supposed protest areas.[5] Duterte accused soldiers of holding discussions with rebel groups like the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People's Army to oust him from office on September 24 in a military camp in Jolo, Sulu. The plot was allegedly named "Red October". The Malacañang Palace released a video of his statement the next day.[6][7] The day after that, the CPP said that the ouster plot was fake.[8] Vice President Leni Robredo stated that linking political opposition to ouster plots was a tactic used in martial law to silence the opposition."[9] Senator Antonio Trillanes denied his involvement in the ouster plot.[10] Four days later, the military seized from 13 alleged members of the CPP which had laptops and documents that Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. alleged to be proof of the ouster plot.[11] The Makabayan denied their involvement on September 27, although they were planning for a protest rally the next month.[12]

 
Youth activists denouncing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) terror tag and Red October plot, October 2018.

A Chinese person was arrested on September 27 in Taytay, Rizal. The PNP raided her house and found firearms. Her house was allegedly used as a hideout for communist guerillas. Some allegations were made that, during the arrest, the national bribed the officers with "protection money" so that she would not be arrested.[13] A list of schools across Metro Manila which were allegedly involved in the plot was released on October 4 by the AFP, with the military stating that the CPP was trying to "brainwash the students" into taking part in the activities. Among the list provided were the University of the Philippines Diliman, the Ateneo de Manila University, the De La Salle University, and the University of Santo Tomas.[14] The Department of Transportation said on October 7 that transport strikes were related to the plot. Department of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on October 12 that the plot fell apart. The military said that the plot would be moved to December, the 50th founding anniversary of CPP, although CPP President Jose Maria Sison denied these claims. The same month, nine farmers were killed in the Sagay massacre, which authorities claimed was related to the plot.[5]

"Bikoy" videos

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Main article: Ang Totoong Narcolist

Peter Joemel Advincula was born on March 22, 1989, in Donsol, Sorsogon. His mother was a parish secretary while his father was a farmer. He pursued an AB Philosophy degree.[15] His father passed away in 2009. On May 6 that same year, he was introduced to a drug syndicate operating out of Misibis Bay. He was tasked to prepare the monthly "TARA", a document listing the collections and payoffs that month. He was convicted of fraud in 2012 and sentenced to six years in prison. He was released in 2017, one year early because of good character.[15] Wanting to become a whistleblower,[15] he created a YouTube channel named "Ang Totoong Narcolist" (transl. The True Narcolist) based around a former criminal named "Bikoy".[16] Five videos were created in total, between April 2, 2019, and Advincula's surrender on May 6.[17] The videos accused Duterte-aligned figures, including Waldo Carpio, the brother of Sara Duterte's husband, Mans Carpio,[16] Honeylet Avanceña and her daughter Kitty Duterte,[18] and Bong Go.[19] Duterte-aligned politicians including Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo and Bong Go called the allegations false.[20][21] Senator Antonio Trillanes supported the videos.[22] The Liberal Party of the Philippines, a part of the opposition, denied their involvement in the videos.[23]

The DOJ started investigating the videos on April 17.[24] Blogger Rodel Jayme was arrested in his residence in Parañaque on April 30 for his alleged involvement in the videos.[25] Jayme was charged with sedition on May 2.[24] Peter Advincula, the original 'Bikoy', surfaced on May 6. He asked for help from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) to sue the Dutertes and their allies.[26] The IBP rejected his offer.[27] Advincula surrendered to police on May 23, stating that he played a role in a script made by the Liberal Party.[28] The Philippine National Police (PNP) started an investigation against Advincula on May 27.[29] He turned himself in to the police for protection on June 3, suspecting that his life is in danger.[30] The DOJ charged him with fraud.[31] He was released from protective custody on June 25.[32] Politicians were sued for sedition on July 18, including Vice President Leni Robredo.[33] Investigations were made into Robredo and other politicians' relation to the Bikoy videos.[34] Advincula surrendered again to PNP on July 29.[35] He posted the bail of 10,000 PHP on July 31, getting released.[36] Robredo responded to the investigation with a counter-affidavit, denying the accusations on August 29.[37] On February 10, 2020, Robredo was cleared of her accusations while Antonio Trillanes was charged with sedition.[38]

On January 20, 2021, Advincula was charged with perjury by a Manila court for allegedly false statements against the Free Legal Assistance Group,[39] surrendering in a local police station in Daraga, posting a 18,000 PHP bail.[40] He allegedly killed three politicians in Albay months later on November 13, with their bodies appearing in his ukay-ukay store in Daraga. He was declared the primary suspect.[41] He posted the 1 million PHP bail on December 16.[42] In 2024, he filed his candidacy for senator in the 2025 election but was declared a nuisance candidate by the Commission on Elections.[43]

"Oust Duterte" matrix

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Main article: Oust Duterte matrix

After the "Ang Totoong Narcolist" YouTube channel caused controversy, a matrix was announced by Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo on April 22. 2019. The matrix allegedly contained the names of journalists and organizations who want to oust Duterte, with journalists from the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) and Rappler. Panelo said that there was a "basis to release it" and that the matrix underwent "proper validation".[44] Another version of the matrix was released on May 8, with a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation to support the claims. The other version included "active online collaboration" between multiple opposition figures.[45] Filipino Olympian Hidilyn Diaz was "shocked" over her inclusion in the matrix.[46] Multiple major journalists claimed the matrix as "false". The PCIJ said the report was "wrong on many points". The Rappler said that the report was an example of "how not to write an investigative report or even straight news."[47] Former journalists included in the matrix reminded the media about their inclusion.[48] The National Union of Peoples' Lawyers asked the Supreme Court of the Philippines for government protection after harassment related to their involvement in the matrix.[49] An editor for The Manila Times resigned on April 26 because the early article was "poorly sourced", later stating in an interview that he was asked to resign from the newspaper.[50]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Ranada, Pia (November 21, 2015). "Rodrigo Duterte: I am running for president". Rappler. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  2. ^ Diola, Camille (November 26, 2015). "Rodrigo Duterte formalizes presidential bid". The Philippine Star. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  3. ^ "Duterte wins Philippine presidency in official count". Al Jazeera. May 27, 2016. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  4. ^ "A look at the 1st 100 days of Duterte's phenomenal rule". Philippine Daily Inquirer. October 8, 2016. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  5. ^ a b c Talabong, Rambo (December 19, 2018). "2018 blockbuster: Red October plot vs Duterte". Rappler. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  6. ^ Esmaquel, Paterno II (September 25, 2018). "Duterte says soldiers 'in cahoots' with opposition to oust him". Rappler. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  7. ^ Punzalan, Jamaine (September 4, 2018). "Duterte faces 'Red October' ouster plot - military officials | ABS-CBN News". ABS-CBN News. Archived from the original on January 16, 2025. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  8. ^ "CPP: 'Red October' an invention of the military". GMA News Online. September 25, 2018. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  9. ^ "Linking critics to Red October destab plot a Martial Law tactic —Robredo". GMA News Online. September 25, 2018. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  10. ^ "Communists raise martial law fears over 'fictional' oust-Duterte plot". ABS-CBN News. September 25, 2018. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  11. ^ "AFP claims seized laptops, documents prove 'Red October' plot". GMA News Online. September 28, 2018. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  12. ^ "Makabayan solons deny 'Red October' destab plot". UNTV News. September 27, 2018. Archived from the original on September 27, 2018. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  13. ^ "Probe on vs cops linked to trader who owns Red 'hideout' - Albayalde". ABS-CBN News. September 27, 2018. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  14. ^ Punongbayan, Michael (October 4, 2018). "AFP bares universities linked to alleged 'Red October' plot". The Philippine Star. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  15. ^ a b c Hofilena, Chay (May 7, 2019). "Alias 'Bikoy': From seminarian to ex-con to whistle-blower". Rappler. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
  16. ^ a b Tordesillas, Ellen T. (April 5, 2019). "Battle of Narco lists". VERA Files. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
  17. ^ Reganit, Jose Cielito (May 29, 2019). "Solon wants socmed platforms probed over 'Bikoy' videos". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
  18. ^ Santiago, Jay-r (April 5, 2019). ""Ang Totoong Narcolist" Episode 2 Exposes New Drug Personality". PhilNews. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
  19. ^ "Press Briefing of Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Secretary Salvador S. Panelo with PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar". Presidential Communications Office. May 8, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
  20. ^ David, Randy (July 21, 2019). "Bikoy and the PNP". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
  21. ^ Tordesillas, Ellen T. (April 21, 2019). "Duterte regains upper hand in the battle of Narco Lists". VERA Files. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
  22. ^ "Trillanes challenges Paolo Duterte to show tattoo: 'Ang dami mo pang arte'". ABS-CBN News. April 5, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
  23. ^ "LP denies alleged links to 'Bikoy' videos". ABS-CBN News. May 3, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
  24. ^ a b Buan, Lian (May 2, 2019). "NBI files inciting to sedition complaint vs 'Bikoy' video sharer". Rappler. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
  25. ^ Macairan, Evelyn. "NBI files raps vs man who shared 'Bikoy' videos". The Philippine Star. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
  26. ^ Arceo, Acor (May 6, 2019). "Bikoy surfaces, asks help from IBP to sue Paolo Duterte, Bong Go". Rappler. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
  27. ^ Buan, Lian (May 8, 2019). "IBP declines Bikoy's request for legal aid". Rappler. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
  28. ^ Vega, Chito de la (May 23, 2019). "Peter Joemel Advincula, man who claims to be Bikoy, surrenders". Rappler. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
  29. ^ Talabong, Rambo (May 27, 2019). "PNP begins Bikoy probe vs Trillanes, LP members". Rappler. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
  30. ^ Talabong, Rambo (June 3, 2019). "Once a fugitive, Bikoy turns himself in to police for protection". Rappler. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
  31. ^ Buan, Lian (June 4, 2019). "DOJ to wrap up estafa case vs Bikoy without his defense". Rappler. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
  32. ^ Talabong, Rambo (June 25, 2019). "'Bikoy' no longer under PNP protection". Rappler. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
  33. ^ Buan, Lian (July 18, 2019). "CIDG sues Robredo, LP, bishops for sedition over Bikoy videos". Rappler. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
  34. ^ Buan, Lian (July 24, 2019). "DOJ starts probe into Robredo, LP lawmakers in Bikoy complaint August 9". Rappler. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
  35. ^ Talabong, Rambo (July 29, 2019). "Bikoy surrenders again to PNP". Rappler. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
  36. ^ Buan, Lian (July 31, 2019). "Bikoy posts P10,000 bail for cyberlibel, walks free again". Rappler. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
  37. ^ Buan, Lian (August 29, 2019). "In counter-affidavit, Robredo denies being in Ateneo meeting vs Duterte". Rappler. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
  38. ^ Buan, Lian (February 10, 2020). "DOJ clears Robredo, charges Trillanes in sedition case". Rappler. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
  39. ^ Lagrimas, Nicole-Anne C. (January 20, 2021). "Court orders arrest of 'Bikoy' over false statements vs. FLAG lawyers". GMA News Online. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
  40. ^ Casilao, Joahna Lei (January 22, 2021). "Bikoy posts P18,000 bail over perjury case". GMA News Online. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
  41. ^ Lalu, Gabriel Pabico (November 13, 2021). "Witnesses, including 'survivor,' point to 'Bikoy' in killing of 3 politicians in Albay — cops". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
  42. ^ "Peter Joemel Advincula alyas 'Bikoy', nakalaya sa kasong murder matapos makapagpiyansa" [Peter Joemel Advincula alias 'Bikoy', was released from the murder case after posting bail.]. Brigada News. December 16, 2022. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
  43. ^ Locus, Sundy (October 8, 2024). "Bikoy files Senate candidacy for Eleksyon 2025". GMA News Online. GMA Network, Inc. Retrieved August 15, 2025.
  44. ^ Parrocha, Azer (April 22, 2019). "Palace bares 'Oust-Duterte' matrix". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
  45. ^ Ranada, Pia (May 8, 2019). "Malacañang releases new diagrams on 'conspiracy' to discredit Duterte". Rappler. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
  46. ^ "FLASHBACK: The day Hidilyn was shocked over inclusion in oust-Duterte matrix". Philippine Daily Inquirer. July 26, 2021. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
  47. ^ Elemia, Camille (April 22, 2019). "'False, garbage' – Maria Ressa, Ellen Tordesillas, PCIJ on Duterte 'ouster plot'". Rappler. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
  48. ^ "Palace-vetted 'conspiracy matrix' to oust Duterte has errors". The Philippine Star. April 22, 2019. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
  49. ^ Buan, Lian (April 25, 2019). "NUPL asks Supreme Court for protection order after 'Oust Duterte matrix' tag". Rappler. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
  50. ^ Viray, Patricia Lourdes (April 26, 2019). "Ouster matrix story 'poorly sourced,' resigned Times editor says". The Philippine Star. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
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