Manila: The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has announced the potential filing of criminal charges against Davao City Mayor Sebastian 'Baste' Duterte for grave threat and inciting to sedition, following his controversial statement regarding President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. NBI Director Melvin Matibag disclosed the possibility during a session with Senator-judge Panfilo Lacson, who highlighted similar threats allegedly made by Vice President Sara Z. Duterte and her brother against President Marcos.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lacson referenced separate statements from the Duterte siblings indicating their desire for President Marcos' head. Mayor Duterte, during a rally in Cebu in May, was quoted saying, "Isang ulo lang ang gusto namin, 'yung ulo ni Bongbong Marcos" (We only want one head, the head of Bongbong Marcos). The Vice President also reportedly expressed a desire to behead the President during an October 2024 news conference and later threatened to have him, the First Lady, and then-Speaker Martin Romualdez assassinated.

In response, the NBI has already filed charges against the Vice President for grave threat and inciting to sedition with the Department of Justice (DOJ). Lacson questioned Matibag on the apparent lack of investigation into Mayor Duterte's remarks. Matibag explained that the Mayor's statement is part of a broader inquiry by a special task force established in April to address ongoing threats against President Marcos.

Matibag clarified that the task force includes Mayor Duterte's statement, and while no immediate investigation has taken place, there is potential for charges to be filed. "Eventually, we have an agreement within us that if we can establish that the elements for grave threat will be there, we are contemplating filing a grave threat and inciting to sedition as well," he stated.

Furthermore, Matibag revealed that the NBI is exploring a possible conspiracy theory related to the threats, which is proving complex to substantiate. He described the conspiracy theory as challenging to present in court, contributing to the delayed development of the case.

When asked by Lacson about the trigger for the formation of the NBI special task force, Matibag identified Mayor Duterte's 'ulo' statement as the catalyst. Despite prior monitoring of threats, it was this specific remark that prompted the establishment of the task force, Matibag confirmed.