MANILA, Philippines — National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag on Wednesday said that the agency has narrowed down the list of persons of interest in its ongoing investigation of Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to fewer than 20 individuals.
During the ninth day of Duterte's impeachment trial, Matibag said the NBI had begun questioning the families and acquaintances of these individuals.
"Our investigation reveals that there are indeed existing leads. To put it in context—without dropping names—we started with a long list of names and have since narrowed it down. This is likely what many have been waiting for: finally identifying the individuals involved," Matibag said.
"We have narrowed the list to fewer than 20 people, and we already have their names. In fact, we are already in contact with the families or acquaintances of some of them," he added.
Responding to Senate President Win Gatchalian's question, Matibag said the persons of interest identified by the bureau are not the actual contracted assassin.
However, he said they could lead investigators to the alleged assassin or to someone who knows the person.
Asked whether Duterte's security group is among the persons of interest considered by the NBI, Matibag said a personality from that group is included.
He also said "there are men in uniform who [are] in active service."
