National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Atty. Melvin Matibag disputed Vice President Sara Duterte's former information officer Jeffrey Tupas’ account that NBI agents informed him of a “verifiable threat” to his life, saying Tupas himself had requested protection and a subpoena.
Matibag said NBI agents went to Tupas’ residence in North Cotabato to serve a subpoena and invite him for questioning. According to the NBI chief, Tupas requested that the agency issue a subpoena instead of relying on a verbal invitation.
“Sinasabi niya na mayroong mas nakakatakot sumama sa NBI. But truth of the matter, doon pumunta sa bahay niya... Siya ang nagsabi na pinuntahan, iniimbitahan siya. Ang sabi niya, padalhan niyo na lang ako ng subpoena,” Matibag said.
He also rejected Tupas’ claim that the NBI director personally informed him about an alleged threat.
“Hindi totoo na kinausap niya ako na ako mismo nag-inform sa kanya. Ang kausap ko, yung mga agents on the ground na sabi ko, make sure that he is safe,” Matibag said.
The NBI chief said agents even offered to protect Tupas after he expressed concern for his safety, although he did not identify who he feared.
“Sa kanya nanggaling yun na natatakot siya sa buhay niya without saying kung kanino siya natatakot,” Matibag said.
Matibag also presented photographs showing NBI agents with Tupas during the September 29 encounter, disputing claims that the agents arrived at an unusual hour or that the interaction was threatening.
He said Tupas initially committed to appearing before the NBI but later submitted an affidavit instead of personally appearing on the date indicated in the subpoena.
The NBI chief declined to elaborate on his theory regarding Tupas’ actions but said the bureau would examine his background and that measures were being prepared.
Matibag stressed that the NBI takes reported threats seriously and warned that any attempt to obstruct its investigation could result in legal consequences.
The dispute comes amid allegations by former aide Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. that Tupas allegedly received a small suitcase containing P20 million in cash, purportedly delivered on Vice President Duterte’s instructions. Gracioso also claimed that the cash and a paper bag containing Royce chocolates were handed over by Rowena Velasco, wife of former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.
