The top official of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, said the agency has identified persons of interest (POIs) in connection with the individual Vice President Sara Duterte allegedly asked to kill President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and others in the event she would be killed.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag said this during the eighth day of Duterte’s impeachment trial where he testified on Article IV of the impeachment complaint, which centered on the alleged grave threat and assassination plot against Marcos, his wife, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

On the witness stand, Matibag disclosed that a special task force was formed to investigate the alleged threat against the President’s life and identify the individual Duterte allegedly approached in connection with the alleged plot.

Matibag described the probe as a “continuing investigation.”

“Meron po tayong mga leads na atin pong sinusundan at katunayan, we already have established persons of interest na maaaring magturo o tumukoy doon sa taong kinausap ng ating bise presidente,” Matibag said.

“O maaaring isa dito sa tinatawag nating persons of interest ang siyang talagang nakausap ng bise presidente,” he added.

However, Matibag declined to name the POIs so as not to compromise the investigation and endanger the NBI’s assets who provide the agency with human intelligence.

“Kinalulungkot ko po, pero sa akin pong katayuan, bilang NBI director, ay hindi ko po maaaring isiwalat ang pagkakakilanlan o pagkatao ng ating mga persons of interest na ito,” Matibag said.

“Pangatlo po, it will violate the right to privacy po ng mga individual na ating natukoy na persons of interest at meron din po itong kaparusahan under the administrative code na kung ang isang information ay confidential, secret, or top secret ay hindi po ito puwedeng ibahagi basta-basta sa publiko,” he added.

Matibag also said that it was no longer a threat but a “confession” when he was asked about the gravity and seriousness of the alleged threat.

“Para sa akin po, hindi na ito talaga banta kundi isa na pong confession ng kanyang plano na pagpatay po sa ating Pangulo. Sapagkat makikita naman natin na sinabi niya na meron akong kinausap at pumayag ang kinausap para patayin ang presidente,” Matibag said.

CROSS-EXAMINATION

During cross-examination, defense lawyer Mark Vinluan asked Matibag whether his testimony is premature, pointing out that the investigation is still ongoing.

However, Matibag said it was clear to investigators that the Vice President had spoken to someone about killing Marcos, his wife, and Romualdez if she were killed.

Vinluan pressed Matibag on whether his testimony amounted to trial by publicity, but the NBI chief rejected the assertion.

“Kaya nga hindi namin nilalabas ‘yung amin pong confidential at secret na investigation (that’s why we are not revealing the confidential information and secret investigation),” Matibag said.

Vinluan also asked that Matibag’s answer be stricken off the record, saying that he is providing conclusions of law when he used the term “confession.”

Vinluan argued that Matibag “knows what he is doing” as he is a lawyer.

“Part of the witness’ response is the use of the term confession, which is a legal term. The witness is a lawyer. He knows exactly what he is doing,” Vinluan said.

Lead Prosecutor Gerville Luistro said Matibag is testifying only on what transpired during the investigation of the special task force.

Presiding officer Senator Francis Escudero ruled that Matibag’s answer will remain in the record as part of his narration, but he said senator-judges should not consider it as a conclusion of law.

The defense counsel also questioned the credibility and possible bias of Matibag against Duterte.

Vinluan challenged Matibag’s testimony on NBI’s first investigation, arguing that it constituted “hearsay” because Matibag had no personal knowledge of the probe.

NBI launched the investigation in November 2024 while Matibag only assumed his position in February 2026.

Vinluan also questioned Matibag’s credibility by asking him to confirm his wife Laguna First District Rep. Ann Matibag’s signature as an endorser of the impeachment resolution agaist Duterte.

However, Matibag confirmed his wife’s involvement but said his duties were separate from hers.

The defense also cited Duterte’s recent rising trust rating in a survey to challenge allegations of betrayal of public trust.

However, Matibag maintained that NBI must remain independent and not be “swayed by public opinion or personal opinions.”

Vinluan then presented Matibag’s previous opinion columns that appeared critical of Duterte.

The defense requested to continue its cross-examination today, July 22, 2026, citing new documents, including the statement of alleged DDS hitman Arturo Lascañas. The court granted the request.

NEW IMPEACHMENT SCHEDULE

Meanwhile, Escudero announced the impeachment trial will have a new schedule.

Escudero said the trial will be suspended on Monday, July 27, to make way for the President’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Proceedings will also be suspended the next day, July 28, as minority senators prepare for and deliver their “Kontra-SONA,” a response to the President’s SONA.

The Senate impeachment court will resume the trial on Wednesday, July 29, at 10 a.m. following an agreement among senator-judges during a caucus.

Starting in August, the impeachment trial will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Monday to Wednesday, with Senate legislative sessions set to begin at 4 p.m. on the same days.