politics
NBI Director Testifies No Validated Information Found on Alleged Duterte Assassin
Jeremy Lotoc, the second prosecution witness in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, said investigators found no evidence identifying a supposed hitman. He maintained the November 2024 threat remarks remained serious regardless of that absence.
Jul 13, 7:34 AM·1m read1 source
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National Bureau of Investigation Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc testified on July 13 that his team found no validated information identifying an assassin allegedly hired by Vice President Sara Duterte to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Lotoc, who headed the NBI cybercrime division during the original investigation of Duterte's November 2024 remarks, said investigators continue to wait for such information.
He added that proof an assassin was hired is not required to establish the crime of grave threats.
"Grave threats can be committed with or without condition," Lotoc said. " He described how the NBI examined the statements by considering the circumstances, manner of delivery, addressee, relationship between parties, and recipients' reactions. Lotoc said the delivery of the remarks showed the threat against the president was serious and real.
The NBI also sought to examine alleged threats against Duterte but she did not appear after being subpoenaed. Defense lawyer Mark Vinluan denied that Duterte spoke to a hitman and said the position is reflected in the answer to the articles of impeachment filed in May.
