The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is set to issue a subpoena to Vice President Sara Duterte in connection with her alleged plot to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez if she gets killed.
"Gagawin po ng National Bureau of Investigation ang lahat ng mga hakbang para matunton ang identity nito, kasama po ang pagi-issue ng subpoena kay Vice President Sara na humarap sa NBI, para bigyan po ng kaliwanagan ang kanyang mga pananalita," NBI Director Jaime Santiago said in a press briefing on Monday.
Furthermore, Santiago stated that they did not take the threat lightly, and upon receiving the video clips in which the Vice President made the statement, they immediately initiated an investigation.
The first step taken by Santiago was to direct the Cybercrime Unit to investigate the authenticity of the video clip. After assessment, the investigators confirmed that the clip was not AI-generated nor a deepfake, confirming its authenticity.
They also requested the social media platform, Facebook, to preserve the clip. Facebook is now keeping the video clip for future reference.
As the investigation continues, the agency is working to determine the identity of the person allegedly contacted by Duterte to carry out her orders.
During the press briefing, Santiago mentioned that the NBI is already preparing the subpoena and will serve it immediately.
Meanwhile, Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Jesse Andres mentioned that Duterte could face various potential legal liabilities. However, he assured that every step will be taken in accordance with due process.
Included in the possible legal charges are conspiracy to commit the assassination of the President. The DOJ assured that both criminal and legal consequences will be enforced on the plotters and all individuals involved.
"Actually wala pa po [background sa alleged assassin]. Iyan ay malilinawan kapag pumunta [at] sumagot sa subpoena namin si Vice President Sara at siya po magpaliwanag kung sino 'yon," NBI Director Santiago said.
According to Santiago, Duterte will be given a chance to address all the allegations and is requested to appear before the NBI's office within five days starting today.
In case of failure to appear or respond to the subpoena, the NBI will compile their report based on the existing evidence and will submit it to the prosecutor’s office for further action.
