National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag told the Senate impeachment court that the agency conducted an investigation into an alleged threat against Vice President Sara Duterte, but did not issue a subpoena to her due to her repeated absences in previous proceedings.

Testifying on the ninth day of Duterte’s impeachment trial, Matibag said the probe was initiated after he assumed office on February 20, 2026.

He noted that investigators identified several personalities linked to the alleged threat and issued subpoenas, but none of those invited appeared before the NBI.

Matibag explained Duterte was not among those subpoenaed during the investigation, citing observations that she had not been attending official hearings, including proceedings at the House of Representatives.

During cross-examination, defense counsel Mark Vinluan pressed Matibag on whether the NBI had issued subpoenas to Duterte and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Matibag said the bureau did not send a subpoena to the vice president under his leadership, explaining that it was based on their assessment that she would not attend.

“We never subpoenaed because we noticed that every time a proper subpoena was issued to the Vice President, she will never attend,” Matibag said.

He added that this assessment was based not only on previous investigations but also on Duterte’s non-appearance in various proceedings, including those related to her impeachment at the House.

On Romualdez, Matibag said the NBI plans to issue a subpoena once 18 former soldiers identified in the investigation have submitted their statements.

The impeachment trial of Duterte is ongoing, with both prosecution and defense panels continuing to present witnesses and evidence before the Senate sitting as an impeachment court.