PNP sees possible complaints following Sara Duterte's threat vs Marcos

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said complaints may be lodged in relation to Vice President Sara Duterte's statement that she gave orders to have President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. assassinated should an alleged plot against her succeed.

"Definitely, they are looking for some violation po ng applicable and relevant laws but I have to give doon po 'yung discretion at pag-iimbestiga po sa CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group). I don't want to put into air ano 'yung mga possible cases," PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said in a press briefing.

(Definitely, they are looking for some violation of applicable and relevant laws but I have to give the discretion and investigation to the CIDG. I don't want to put into air what the possible cases are.)

"Sabi na rin po ng ating Director CIDG na itong kaso nga po na posible po na maaaring maisampa, we also have to take into consideration na si vice president po is an impeachable officer po," she added.

(Our CIDG Director has also said that we also have to take into consideration that the Vice President is an impeachable official in the possible case that will be filed.)

Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) director Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III said the complaints may be filed in another forum aside from criminal courts because Duterte is an impeachable official.

"There is a possibility. Walang kasiguraduhan. There may be a need for a complainant. There may be a need for none. Motu propio, we file the case. Depende 'yan sa recommendations na matatapos namin," he said.

(There is a possibility. There is no certainty. There may be a need for a complainant. There may be a need for none. Motu propio, we file the case. That depends on the recommendations that we finalize.)

"At saka hindi natin sigurado kung ang proper venue nga ba is the criminal courts or other courts or other forum. And you know what I mean? Because the vice president is an impeachable official. So there will be other forum that will take up this case," he added.

(Also, we are not sure if the proper venue is the criminal courts or other courts or other forums. You know what I mean because the Vice President is an impeachable official. So there will be other forums that will take up this case.)

Duterte made the remark early Saturday morning during an online media conference held at the House of Representatives where Office of the Vice President (OVP) chief of staff Undersecretary Zuleika Lopez was detained after being cited in contempt.

The vice president said she contracted a person to kill Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez, should she herself get killed.

Last Saturday, the PNP said it would also investigate Duterte's claims.

"The PNP Chief, Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, has directed the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to conduct a thorough and immediate investigation into this issue. The safety of the President is a national concern and any direct or indirect threat to his life must be addressed with the highest level of urgency," the PNP said in a statement.

"We assure the public that the PNP will work diligently to ensure the safety of all concerned and will take the necessary legal actions in accordance with the law. The PNP remains committed to upholding public safety and maintaining peace across the nation," it added.

Duterte later clarified that her remark was not a threat but she only highlighted the alleged threat to her security. — VDV, GMA Integrated News