Security protocols heightened, investigation launched following ‘kill’ remarks vs Marcos

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Presidential Security Command (PSC) has heightened its safety protocols following an ‘active threat’ against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. rooted from Vice President Sara Duterte’s “kill remark” on Saturday, Nov. 23.

In a statement, the PSC said it is working with law enforcement agencies to “detect, deter, and defend against any and all threats to the President and the First Family”.

In a midnight briefing on Saturday, Duterte said she ordered someone to kill Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez if she gets murdered. Malacañang called these remarks an active threat to the president’s life.

“Any threat to the life of the President and the First Family, regardless of its origin—and especially one made so brazenly in public—is treated with the utmost seriousness. We consider this a matter of national security and shall take all necessary measures to ensure the President's safety,” the PSC said.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police directed its Criminal Investigation and Detection Group to conduct a thorough and immediate investigation on the issue.

“The safety of the President is a national concern and any direct or indirect threat to his life must be addressed with the highest level of urgency,” the national police said.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner also called for “calm and resolve”, urging the public to hold on to the value of nationalism. He, however, did not contextualize his statement that was released after Duterte’s remarks.

The Office of the Vice President has yet to address the statements.