Metro Manila, Philippines – Malacañang questioned Vice President Sara Duterte’s remarks that she feels unsafe, saying law enforcement agencies have no record of any threat to her life.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said Monday, Sept. 7, that she had spoken with the police and National Bureau of Investigation, with both saying contrasting situations to Duterte’s fears.
“Noong atin pong nakausap mismo si General (Jose Melencio) Nartatez, at kahit naman po ang NBI Director Melvin Matibag ay nagsabi na wala po silang anumang record na sinasabing pagbabanta sa buhay ng bise presidente. Wala pong record, wala pong pagsusumbong, wala pong reklamo,” Castro said.
[Translation: When we spoke directly with General Nartatez, and as NBI Director Melvin Matibag has also said, they have no record of any reported threat against the life of the Vice President. There is no record, no report and no complaint.]
Castro said the government and agencies tasked with providing security continue to protect Duterte and other Filipinos.
“Lahat po ng mga kababayan natin ay binibigyan ng proteksyon ng pamahalaan, so walang dahilan para sabihing hindi safe ang bise presidente,” she said.
[Translation: The government provides protection to all our fellow Filipinos, so there is no reason to say that the vice president is unsafe.]
Castro challenged Duterte to present evidence supporting her concerns.
“Mas maganda pong itanong po ninyo diretso kay Bise Presidente kung anu-ano ang mga dahilan niya at kung anu-ano ba ang mga ebidensiya, hindi lamang sa salita kung hindi pati na rin po sa mga dokumento,” she said.
[Translation: It would be better to ask the vice president directly what her reasons are and what evidence she has, not only through her statements but also through documents.]
Duterte said Saturday that she feared for her life as she appeared before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court to post bail for three counts of grave threats.
“I have documented threats and harassment since 2023. I fear for my children. I do not feel they are safe if I am with them,” Duterte said.
“I do not feel safe. Pakiramdam ko papatayin nila ako,” she added.
[Translation: I do not feel safe. I feel like they are going to kill me.]
Duterte posted bail after the court issued a warrant for her arrest upon finding probable cause to hold her for trial.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declined to comment on Duterte’s claims.
Marcos was asked by reporters during a visit in Marikina City on Monday but the president shrugged off the question.
