THE National Security Council (NSC) has underscored the seriousness of all threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., following controversial remarks made by Vice President Sara Duterte.
In a statement on Sunday, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said the NSC considers any threat to the President’s life a matter of national security, and such threats will be investigated thoroughly.
“The NSC considers all threats to the President of the Philippines as serious,” Año said, emphasizing that “any and all threats against the life of the President shall be validated and considered a matter of national security.”
The statement came after Duterte declared on Saturday that if something happened to her, she would ensure President Marcos, Speaker Martin Romualdez, and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos would be assassinated.
NSC Launches Probe
Año said the NSC is working closely with law enforcement and intelligence agencies to determine the nature of the Vice President’s remarks, as well as any potential risks. “We shall do our utmost in defense of our democratic institutions and processes which the President represents,” he said.
The adviser called on the public to remain calm, assuring them that the government is taking all necessary measures to secure the President.
“We underscore that the safety of the President is a non-partisan issue, and we stand united in our commitment to upholding the integrity of the office and the democratic institutions that govern our great nation,” Año added.
Duterte Responds to Criticism
Vice President Duterte, when asked about her controversial comments, said she would respond in due time. “Medyo pagod ako ngayon [I’m a little tired today]. But in a proper time, I can answer everything,” she told reporters during a visit to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in Quezon City.
Duterte was at the VMMC accompanying her chief of staff, Zuleika Lopez, who fell ill following the House of Representatives’ order to transfer her to the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City.
On Sunday, Duterte said Lopez had “allowed” her to leave the hospital briefly to visit her children but noted she would return later that evening.
Tightened Security
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced that Duterte’s statements had been referred to the Presidential Security Command (PSC) for immediate action.
The PSC said it has tightened security measures around the President and his family, viewing the remarks as a national security concern.
Duterte’s comments were made during a virtual press conference in which she criticized the House order against Lopez. She later clarified that her statement about assassinations was not a threat but did not elaborate further.
The incident has drawn widespread attention, raising questions about the political climate and the implications of the Vice President’s remarks.
The NSC has reassured the public of its commitment to upholding constitutional order and protecting democratic institutions.