MANILA – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has a month to report on the alleged slay attempt on presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. made on video-focused social media platform TikTok.
Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra said on Monday the government investigates all threats on public officials, past and present, including candidates running for public office, upon prompt receipt of information.
“Thirty days is our standard reporting period but the NBI immediately reports if it finds something early enough,” Guevarra told reporters via text message.
He said the DOJ Office of Cybercrime and NBI may also track down individuals who threaten to kill or rape public officials.
“All that is necessary is for the information to reach the proper authorities,” Guevarra said.
A death threat is an unlawful act whether one believes it or not and even if it is unlikely, he added.
Vice President Leonor Robredo, who is also running for president, was likewise the subject of death threats before.
The TikTok user allegedly posted “we are meeting everyday to plan for BBM’s (Bongbong Marcos) assassination. Get ready.”
Lawyer Vic Rodriguez, Marcos' chief of staff, said in a statement on Sunday “we are not cowered by such threat” and all their campaign activities will continue. (PNA)