The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) revealed on Wednesday that it has launched a surveillance operation targeting several individuals suspected of being part of a plot against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other high-ranking officials.
During an impeachment hearing held by the House Committee on Justice, NBI Director Melvin Matibag informed lawmakers that the bureau is currently following specific leads to identify “hitmen” allegedly connected to Vice President Sara Duterte.
The investigation stems from a November 2024 statement by the Vice President, where she claimed to have instructed an individual to assassinate the President, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and then-Speaker Martin Romualdez should she herself be killed.
“Just to let you know, we have leads already. We have some personalities… na sinu-surveillance at sinusundan po namin,” Matibag said.
While Matibag declined to name the suspects to protect the ongoing operation, he clarified that the NBI is taking the “no joke” threat with extreme seriousness. The agency has already filed charges of grave threats and inciting to sedition based on their preliminary findings.
The investigation is focusing on the Vice President’s inner circle and her security detail.
According to Matibag, those under scrutiny include active and former military personnel, as well as members of the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG).
“We are looking at those individuals and the close associates of the Vice President,” he said. “Meron po kasing mga na-identify dyan na still in the military service, and marami din po dyan no longer in the military service.”
Matibag emphasized that the Vice President’s vast network, supported by a security group composed of hundreds of members, necessitates a meticulous and thorough surveillance approach to ensure national security.