NBI finds no concrete threats against VP Duterte

A National Bureau of Investigation official testified on Tuesday, July 14, that the agency found no evidence of concrete threats against Vice President Sara Duterte's life, a claim central to her defense in her ongoing impeachment trial. The testimony came as the trial entered its second week, focusing on an article of impeachment alleging Duterte made grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and incited sedition.

NBI Bangsamoro chief Jeremy Lotoc, a former cybercrime official, told the Senate impeachment court that while his agency proactively investigated the Vice President's security concerns, it uncovered no validated information regarding alleged threats. He stated that the only relevant security issue discovered was the 2024 removal of 75 personnel from the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group, which the Philippine National Police had attributed to a shortage of personnel for ground duties. Lotoc explained that Duterte did not appear before the NBI or provide information that could advance an investigation.

This testimony directly countered a key defense argument that Duterte was pushed to make her controversial statements due to perceived threats...