FILE PHOTOS: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte. INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — All threats thrown at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. are considered “serious and a matter of national security,” the National Security Council (NSC) said on Sunday.
This came after Vice President Sara Duterte revealed on Saturday that she would have Marcos, first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez assassinated if she were killed.
“All threats against the life of the President shall be validated and considered a matter of national security,” National Security Adviser Eduardo Año’s statement reads. “We shall be closely coordinating with law enforcement and intelligence agencies to investigate the nature of the threat, the possible perpetrators, and their motives.”
“We shall do our utmost in defense of our democratic institutions and processes which the President represents,” he added.
He also assured the public that the NSC will always uphold the Constitution, democratic institutions, and the chain of command.
“We underscore that the safety of the President is a non-partisan issue, and we stand united in our commitment to upholding the integrity of the office and the democratic institutions that govern our great nation,” he added.
The Presidential Communications Office announced on Saturday that Duterte’s remark constitutes an “active threat” to the life of the President.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin also referred the matter to the Presidential Security Command for “immediate proper action.”
“Any threat to the life of the President must always be taken seriously, more so that this threat has been publicly revealed in clear and certain terms,” the Palace said.
READ: Sara Duterte’s kill remark vs Marcos is ‘active threat’ – Palace