The National Bureau of Investigation is formally looking into a statement made by Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, who reportedly declared during a public event that they “only need one head” — a remark widely interpreted as a veiled threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag confirmed the bureau is examining both the mayor’s comment and separate reports of an alleged assassination plot connected to former president Rodrigo Duterte. A memorandum is being prepared to put the inquiry on official record.
The mayor made the remark at the launch of the Reform Alliance for Good Governance and Accountability, or RAGE Coalition, held last Sunday.
At the center of the broader allegations is Ramil Madriaga, who has identified himself as the former bagman of Vice President Sara Duterte. In a supplemental affidavit submitted to the House committee on justice — which is currently deliberating the impeachment complaint against the Vice President — Madriaga claimed that discussions took place about removing Marcos through assassination or a coup should the President refuse to step down voluntarily.
Madriaga also testified that an agreement had existed between Marcos and the Duterte family under which Marcos was to vacate the presidency in 2025 and allow the Vice President to serve as chief executive for the succeeding three years.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla disclosed that Madriaga has gone further, naming specific individuals allegedly hired to carry out an attempt on Marcos’s life. “He has identified some hitmen. I think it will come out in future testimonies,” Remulla said.
On whether a genuine threat against the President exists, Remulla did not dismiss the concern. “It will never disappear, whether it comes from that camp or any other camps,” he said, adding: “The President is the most protected person in the Philippines precisely because of the nature of his job.”
The Palace had earlier signaled that action was expected. Press officer Claire Castro stated that authorities are legally obligated to investigate threats directed at the President, applying the same standard as threats against private citizens.
