The rumored “Oplan Romanov” was initially declared as a warning aimed at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the First Family rather than Vice President Sara Duterte, according to former National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago.
During a radio interview with DZRH, Santiago explained that Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte first introduced the term “Romanov” to the public during a Maisug rally in January 2024.
”‘Yang Romanov na ‘yan unang lumabas ‘yan salita ni Mayor Baste, isang [rally] ng Maisug, January 2024,” the former NBI chief said.
Santiago noted that Mayor Duterte cautioned Marcos to reflect on the fate of the Romanovs—the Russian imperial family executed in 1918 following the collapse of their monarchy—prior to going to sleep.
“Sinabihan niya si Pangulong Marcos na ‘Before go to bed, I warning you isipin mo si Romanov,” he added.
The former NBI chief expressed surprise at how the narrative subsequently pivoted after vlogger Princess Maui alleged that “Oplan Romanov” was actually a conspiracy designed to assassinate members of the Duterte family.
”Ang Romanov ay warning ni Baste sa Presidente, sa first family bakit naging kay VP Sara na? Hindi kay VP Sara ‘yun,” Santiago said.
The subject came up again on Tuesday during the Senate impeachment trial when defense lawyer Mark Vinluan questioned NBI Regional Director Atty. Jeremy Lotoc about whether he knew of “Operation Romanov.”
The historic Romanov dynasty governed Russia for over three hundred years before Tsar Nicholas II and his family were executed during the Russian Revolution.
Lotoc testified to the court that he also first heard the expression from Mayor Duterte, who had invoked it as a warning directed at the President.
”Narinig ko ’yung term na Romanov noong binigkas ni Mayor Baste noong January during Maisug rally. Other than that, wala akong na-validate about Romanov operation,” Lotoc told the impeachment court.
During the trial, Senator Raffy Tulfo questioned why Princess Maui framed “Romanov” as a threat targeting the Dutertes during a virtual press conference alongside Vice President Sara Duterte.
”Nagtataka ako na binanggit ’yan ni Princess Maui doon sa online press conference ni VP Sara, ’yung Romanov na banta para sa mga Duterte. When in fact, it was Baste Duterte ang nagbitaw ng salita na ’yun, warning sa First Family,” Tulfo said.
In response, the defense team stated they intend to call witnesses to substantiate their assertions that an “Operation Romanov” targeting the Duterte family did indeed exist.