By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA – Malacañang on Thursday called on concerned government agencies to investigate alleged threats against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. made by members of the Duterte family.
Speaking to reporters, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the security of the Chief Executive should not be taken lightly.
“So, kailangan din po na protektahan ang ating Pangulo at ang pagpuprotekta na ‘to ay obligasyon po ng mga concerned agencies na dapat mabigyan ng protekta or proteksiyon ang ating Pangulo (We also need to protect our President, and this protection is the obligation of the concerned agencies tasked to provide security for our President),” Castro said.
“At obligasyon din po ng concerned agencies na ito po ay imbestigahan. Hindi po ito binabale-wala dahil buhay ng Pangulo ang nakasalalay dito (It is also the obligation of these concerned agencies to investigate this matter. This should not be disregarded because the life of the President is at stake).”
Marcos, she said, is aware of the threats made against him.
She noted that the government is treating the issue seriously because it concerns the life of the country’s Chief Executive.
“Hindi ‘to dapat gawing joke lang o isipin ng mga concerned agencies na joke lang ito. Buhay po ng Pangulo ang pinag-uusapan dito (This should not be treated as a joke or something that the concerned agencies can simply dismiss. We are talking about the life of the President here),” she said.
It is the responsibility of law enforcement and security agencies to look into the matter, she said, noting that the agencies concerned are in the best position to assess the situation and take the necessary action.
“Noon pa naman po iyan. Sabi nga po natin, kung ano ang kinakailangang protection ng Pangulo, iyan dapat ang ibigay (This has always been the case. As we have said, whatever protection the President needs, that should be provided),” Castro said.
“Kung mas malamang pa or mas matindi pang pagpoprotekta sa Pangulo, dapat po dahil sa nakikita po at nadidinig nating pagbabanta sa kaniyang buhay (If greater or more stringent protection is needed for the President because of the threats we are seeing and hearing, then that should be given).”
During the launch of his Reform Alliance for Good Governance and Accountability Coalition in San Juan City on July 19, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte said he “only need(s) one head,” referring to Marcos’ head.
Duterte made the remarks as he criticized Marcos over alleged corruption and past historical grievances.
During a virtual press conference in November 2024, Vice President Sara Duterte made a similar threat, saying she had contracted someone to assassinate Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former speaker Martin Romualdez if she were killed. (PNA)
