National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Atty. Melvin Matibag on Tuesday revealed that investigators have already identified several persons of interest who may help determine the identity of the individual allegedly contacted by Vice President Sara Duterte in connection with the alleged assassination threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
During the eighth day of the impeachment trial, Matibag said the NBI continues to pursue leads and has established individuals who may provide information about the alleged conversation.
“Meron po tayong mga leads na sinusundan at katunayan, we already have established persons of interest na maaaring makapagturo o makapagtukoy doon sa taong kinausap ng ating Bise Presidente,” Matibag said.
However, Matibag clarified that being identified as a person of interest does not mean that the individual is confirmed to be the person allegedly contacted by the Vice President.
“Hindi po nangangahulugan na sila na mismo ang kinausap gaya ng aking pong sinabi,” he explained.
When asked by lead prosecutor Rep. Gerville Luistro to identify the persons of interest, Matibag declined, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
“Hindi ko po maaaring isiwalat ang pagkakakilanlan o pagkatao ng ating persons of interest sapagkat gaya ng aking sinabi, this is a continuing and an open investigation,” Matibag said.
He warned that disclosing the identities could compromise the investigation, endanger informants, and affect the NBI’s ability to conduct operations.
“Makukumpromiso po ang ating imbestigasyon at may ilalagay po sa alanganin yung ating mga informants o assets na nasa ground na nagbibigay sa atin ng human intel,” he said.
Matibag also cited privacy protections and confidentiality rules under government regulations as reasons for withholding the information from the public.
He added that even if investigators eventually identify the person allegedly contacted, the NBI would still need to protect its sources and confidential information.
“May karapatan po kaming protektahan yung aming informants. Sapagkat ang pinoprotektahan din po namin dito ay ang institution ng NBI,” Matibag said.
The NBI chief’s testimony was presented as part of the prosecution’s evidence under Article IV of the impeachment complaint concerning the alleged grave threats against President Marcos.
