Metro Manila, Philippines – Authorities are investigating leads that show Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged hired hitman against the president might be from her security group or close associates, NBI Director Melvin Matibag revealed during an impeachment hearing.
Since the bureau is also investigating people from the Vice President’s Security Protection Group (VPSPG), Matibag confirmed to lawmakers that the assassin hired by Duterte may possibly be a military person.
Matibag said it is unusual for a vice president to have hundreds of security details and compared the number to former Vice President Leni Robredo’s 30-member VPSPG.
“In other words, tama po ba sahihin ‘di simpleng nag-hire ng hitman ang bise presidente kundi ang hitman na ito ay posibleng miyembro mismo ng AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines)?” ACT Teacher’s Rep. Antonio Tinio asked the NBI representatives.
[Translation: Is it correct to say that the vice president did not simply hire a hitman but this hitman is possibly a member of the AFP himself?]
“It’s a possibility because the members po nung vice presidential security and protection group, sabi ko nga po may active members ng military diyan,” Matibag answered.
[Translation: It’s a possibility because the members of the vice presidential security and protection group, I know there are active members of the military there.]
Matibag said the bureau is still investigating leads from recordings, testimonies, social media posts, and the sworn affidavit of the vice president.
The director previously said there are also other leads regarding the alleged hit placed on the first couple and the lawmaker but he cannot give the details yet to not pre-empt the ongoing impeachment case against Duterte.
READ MORE: NBI yet to identify hitman VP Duterte allegedly hired vs. Marcos, Romualdez
The issue stems from an incident early in 2024 where the vice president lashed out and publicly announced that she hired a hitman to go after Marcos, his wife, and cousin if something happens to her.
Duterte has since received an NBI complaint and is under investigation for grave threats and possible violation of the anti-terrorism act.
