NBI: Man who surrendered over alleged threat vs. Bongbong is person of interest

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said Wednesday that the person who had surrendered to them in connection with the alleged threat against presidential candidate Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is considered a person of interest.

At a press briefing, one Bong Ricafort faced the media, denying that he was the one behind the alleged assassination threat against the former senator. He was accompanied by his lawyer.

NBI spokesman Ferdinand Lavin said investigation is still ongoing, noting that Ricafort could be a possible witness.

"We would like to make it very clear that as of the moment, as we speak, Mr. Ricafort is a person of interest in this investigation. He's not an accused yet, investigation is still being conducted," Lavin said.

Ricafort, who said that he is part of a group called Bikers For Leni, denied that he was the one behind the threat.

"Hindi po akin 'yun," Ricafort said

([The account] is not mine.)

"Hindi po ako 'yun, never ko pong ginawa 'yun, di po ako 'yun," he added.

(It's not me, I did not do that.)

Asked if he is mad at Marcos, Ricafort said, "Hindi po." (I'm not mad at him.)

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra had confirmed that the DOJ's Office of Cybercrime (OOC) received an online tip about an alleged kill plot against Marcos.

Marcos' camp had said that the OOC pushed through with the investigation after receiving a TikTok post that read, "WE ARE meeting everyday to plan for BBM’s assassination. Get ready."

The NBI is waiting for Ricafort's final voluntary statement. It has yet to determine if Ricafort has any criminal liability on the issue.

Meanwhile, Ricafort said he is willing to submit his gadgets and undergo a lie detector test if needed to clear his name.

"Willing naman po ako kasi wala naman po akong tinatago eh," Ricafort said. (I'm willing because I have nothing to hide.)

Ricafort also said he is eyeing to file charges against those individuals trying to destroy his image. — BM, GMA News