Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte Declares She’s Hired Assassin to Kill President and Top Officials if She Meets an Untimely Demise
Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte made a shocking declaration Saturday, stating that she had hired an assassin to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other top officials should she meet an untimely demise. Duterte made the announcement during an online press conference, warning that she is deadly serious and not joking about her threat.
Duterte warned that if anything happens to her, the assassin would target Marcos Jr., his wife, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez. The threat was referred to the Presidential Security Command, which has “heightened and strengthened” Marcos’ security protocols.
The command stated that it is treating the threat with the utmost seriousness and considers it a matter of national security. However, it is unclear what action, if any, will be taken against the vice president.
Tensions between Duterte and Marcos Jr. have been growing due to disagreements over policy towards Chinese aggression in the disputed South China Sea and other key issues. Duterte has accused Marcos Jr., his wife, and House Speaker Romualdez of corruption, incompetence, and political persecution of her family and supporters.
The development comes amid a chaotic political landscape in the Philippines, with divisions between politicians leading to increased tensions. In response, military chief Gen. Romeo Brawner issued a statement pledging the Armed Forces of the Philippines to remain nonpartisan and respect democratic institutions and civilian authority.
Philippine law criminalizes public remarks that may constitute a threat to inflict harm on a person or his family, which is punishable by jail time and a fine.