The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has narrowed its investigation into the alleged hitman mentioned by Vice President Sara Duterte to fewer than 20 persons of interest, NBI director Melvin Matibag told the Senate impeachment court on Wednesday.

Matibag disclosed the development while testifying as the prosecution’s final witness on Article IV, which accuses Duterte of issuing grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Responding to questions from Senator Joel Villanueva, Matibag said investigators are now focusing on fewer than 20 individuals whom they believe may have links to the alleged assassination plot.

“We are narrowing it down to less than 20 individuals and we already have their names. In fact, we have already talked to some of their families and acquaintances,” Matibag said.

He declined to identify the individuals, saying the investigation was ongoing.

Matibag said the NBI considered Duterte’s statements made during her 23 November 2024 press conference serious enough to warrant a full investigation, stressing that the bureau’s concern extends beyond the alleged threat itself.

“We have to address the issue of national security and the safety of the President, which is a primary mandate of the National Bureau of Investigation. If a threat against the President is as serious as this, it also leads to disorder and disrespect for law and order,” he said.

DDS among angles being examined

Matibag also confirmed that investigators were looking into the possible involvement of the alleged Davao Death Squad (DDS), the vigilante group long linked to former President Rodrigo Duterte, as one of several angles in the investigation.

He clarified, however, that the probe was not limited to the DDS but also includes members of the Vice President’s security group and other individuals believed to be in her network.

Case filed despite

unidentified assassin

During questioning by Senator Imee Marcos, Matibag explained why the NBI filed complaints for inciting to sedition and multiple counts of grave threats against the Vice President in February 2025 even though investigators had yet to identify the alleged hired killer.

The complaints remain pending before the Department of Justice.

Matibag said identifying the assassin was not a legal requirement to establish the offenses charged.

“Respectfully, Your Honor, the elements of grave threats and inciting to sedition are different. Based on the NBI’s investigation and findings at the time, the elements of the offenses had already been established. That is why identifying the contacted assassin was not necessary for filing the complaint,” he said.

With Matibag’s testimony, the House prosecution panel concluded its presentation of evidence on Article IV.

The impeachment court will resume the trial on 29 July, when the prosecutors will begin presenting evidence on Article I, which concerns the alleged misuse of Duterte’s confidential funds.

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, who presides over the impeachment court, announced that succeeding trial sessions will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., replacing the previous 2 p.m. start.