Manila: National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag on Tuesday highlighted Vice President Sara Duterte's alleged 'pattern of violence' as a key factor in the ongoing investigation regarding threats made against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Matibag testified before the Senate impeachment court, detailing the measures taken by the NBI Special Task Force, which reviewed a variety of sources, including publicly available information and investigative materials.
According to Philippines News Agency, the NBI's investigation revisited previous incidents involving Duterte, including a 2011 event where she, then the Mayor of Davao City, punched a court sheriff during a demolition exercise. Matibag noted that this incident was considered as part of the open-source intelligence reviewed by the task force. Additionally, a document attributed to Arturo Lasca±as, a self-confessed former member of the Davao Death Squad, was also scrutinized. This document alleged Duterte's involvement in anti-drug operations during her tenure as mayor, instructing that suspected drug users and criminals be abducted rather than shot, to avoid media scrutiny.
Matibag emphasized that while such information is not treated as verified evidence, it helps law enforcement agencies in developing leads and directing their investigative efforts. Senate President Francis Escudero, presiding over the court, allowed Matibag to present portions of the document to explain the NBI's investigative approach, although he reminded the senator-judges that these should not be considered as factual evidence.
The investigation has identified several 'persons of interest' but Matibag refrained from disclosing their identities to protect the integrity of the investigation and the safety of informants. The task force aims to uncover the individual allegedly contacted by Duterte in relation to threats against President Marcos and other prominent figures. Matibag clarified that while persons of interest have been identified, it does not conclusively determine their involvement.
Matibag reiterated the importance of maintaining confidentiality in the investigation to safeguard NBI sources and ensure the success of their operations. He underscored the bureau's commitment to protecting its informants, which in turn protects the integrity of the institution itself.
