CIDG prioritizes probe into VP Sara Duterte’s threat remark

DAVAO CITY – The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has launched an urgent investigation into Vice President Sara Duterte’s controversial remark implying a threat against the lives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.

CIDG Director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III confirmed this during an interview on Sunday, stating that the safety of the President and his family is of paramount national concern.

Torre revealed that the investigation commenced immediately after receiving instructions from Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil on Saturday. The CIDG is coordinating with the Presidential Security Command (PSC) to assess and address the potential risks posed by Duterte’s statement.

VP Duterte’s Controversial Remark

The controversy stems from Vice President Duterte’s statement made during a virtual press briefing, where she warned that if she were assassinated, the President, the First Lady, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez would also face death.

While Duterte did not specify how such actions would be carried out, the remarks have sparked widespread concern and criticism, particularly regarding the implications for national security.

Torre emphasized the urgency of the probe, saying, “The safety of the President is a national concern, and any threat, direct or indirect, especially to his life and his immediate family, must be addressed with the highest level of urgency. Medyo top priority namin itong trabaho.”

Torre stated that he is deliberating on the next steps in the investigation, including whether to directly approach the President and First Lady for their statements or work through their security detail. “I would like to strategize muna (first) on how to proceed, whether I’ll go directly to the President and First Lady or coordinate with their security officers. Most probably, I’ll work with the PSG first,” he said.

The PSC has confirmed that it has already strengthened security measures around the First Couple in light of the remarks.

Reactions from Lawmakers

The incident has drawn mixed reactions from political figures. Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero called for de-escalation, urging all parties involved to exercise restraint and prioritize unity amid the growing tensions. Escudero also reminded Duterte of her responsibilities as a public servant.

“As a public official, she has a duty to set an example for the personnel in the Office of the Vice President and our fellow Filipinos, especially our children,” Escudero said in a statement released Saturday.

The Vice President’s remarks came in the wake of a standoff concerning the detention of her Chief of Staff, Atty. Zulieka Lopez, who was held in contempt during a Congressional hearing last week.

Duterte has been vocal in criticizing Congress and Speaker Romualdez, accusing them of unfairly targeting her office, particularly after Congress scrutinized her request for confidential funds in the 2024 budget.

Duterte’s tirade has amplified the ongoing feud between her and Romualdez, raising concerns over the political rift within the administration and its potential impact on governance.

PNP Chief Gen. Marbil reiterated that any threat to the safety of public officials, especially the President, would be treated with the utmost seriousness. “The police force is committed to ensuring the security of all public officials and addressing threats swiftly and decisively,” he said said.

As the investigation progresses, the CIDG aims to thoroughly assess the nature and credibility of the threat while ensuring that security measures are robustly implemented to safeguard the country’s leaders.