MANILA, Nov 24 (Reuters) – The Philippines' security council will investigate an alleged assassination threat made by Vice President Sara Duterte against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., according to a top official on Sunday, who called it a "national security matter."
Duterte reportedly made a chilling statement during a briefing on Saturday morning, claiming she had spoken to an assassin and instructed them to kill Marcos, his wife, and the Speaker of the House if she were to be killed.
National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano emphasized that the government takes all threats against the president seriously, pledging to cooperate with law enforcement and intelligence agencies to thoroughly investigate the threat and identify any potential perpetrators.
"Any and all threats against the life of the president shall be validated and considered a matter of national security," Ano stated.
In response to the threat, Marcos' presidential security command has tightened protocols surrounding his safety, and the national police chief has launched an investigation into the matter.
The political alliance between Duterte and Marcos, who secured a sweeping mandate in the 2022 elections, deteriorated this year due to differences on various issues, including foreign policy and the controversial war on drugs initiated by Duterte's father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Marcos' congressional allies are also investigating the elder Duterte’s war on drugs, which resulted in over 6,000 deaths in anti-drug operations, as well as alleged corruption related to the younger Duterte's use of public funds during her tenure as education secretary. Both Duterte figures have denied any wrongdoing. Sara Duterte resigned from her cabinet position in June.