The National Bureau of Investigation is casting a broader net in its probe of threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family, with director Melvin Matibag confirming that an administrative order he signed days ago covers everyone who has issued such statements — not just Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte.
“It’s directed to everybody who issues a statement that somehow threatens or somehow gives some threat to the First Family, to the government. Sa lahat ‘yan, ‘no?” Matibag said.
The NBI chief acknowledged that public attention had been drawn to the mayor because the order’s release coincided with remarks Duterte made at a gathering. “It so happened na noong lumabas ‘yan, it’s at the same time si Mayor Baste has a statement doon sa isang ano nila—pagtitipon, kaya siguro sinasabi na siya ‘yung iimbestigahan,” Matibag said, adding that the mayor’s statements would be evaluated against the order’s parameters. “But of course, if that will qualify as part of the administrative order we’ve released, then our direction will go there too. It also needs to be done. But it is directed to all.”
Mayor Duterte had previously said he needed only the President’s head, a remark that drew immediate scrutiny from Malacañang. Palace press officer Claire Castro had pointed to the NBI’s mandate as the appropriate mechanism for probing alleged plots to remove or harm the President.
The investigation extends to social media, with Matibag saying the bureau will examine accounts of various personalities who directed threatening statements at Marcos and other government officials.
The probe takes shape against the backdrop of testimony from a key House justice committee witness. Ramil Madriaga, who identified himself as a former bagman of Vice President Sara Duterte, told lawmakers that former President Rodrigo Duterte and several retired military generals had discussed removing Marcos from power — including through assassination.
