Matibag: Duterte’s threat had ‘kinetic force,’ prompted other threats

NBI Director Melvin Matibag. INQUIRER PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte’s threats against ranking officials resulted in a so-called “kinetic force” where her statements prompted other individuals — like her brother — to make their own threats, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag said on Tuesday.

During the eighth day of Duterte’s trial at the Senate Impeachment Court, Matibag was asked by lead public prosecutor and Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro as to why NBI had to investigate the statements uttered by Duterte’s younger brother, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, during the Reform Alliance for Good Governance and Accountability (RAGE) Coalition event last April 2026.

In response, Matibag referred to a “kinetic force” as several threats popped up since the Vice President’s statements against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his relatives in the November 23, 2024 online press briefing.

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Matibag: Duterte’s threat had ‘kinetic force,’ prompted other threats

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