MANILA — National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag said authorities are still waiting for the Department of Justice (DOJ) to issue its resolution on the criminal complaint filed against Vice President Sara Duterte over her alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other officials.

During questioning, Matibag said the NBI has already filed the criminal case and is awaiting the DOJ’s action before determining the next legal steps.

“naka file na po tayo oh, tapos waiting for the resolution of the department of justice.”

Matibag explained that once the DOJ releases its resolution, the case could move forward depending on the findings and the decision of the prosecutors and legal counsel involved.

When asked whether the Vice President could eventually be arrested, Matibag clarified that the process first requires the DOJ resolution and the appropriate legal action.

The NBI previously told lawmakers that its investigation found sufficient basis to pursue allegations of grave threats and inciting to sedition stemming from Duterte’s November 23, 2024 public remarks. The bureau said its assessment met the standard of prima facie evidence with a “reasonable certainty of conviction.”

Matibag also pointed to DOJ Memorandum Circular No. 29, saying investigators used the applicable standard in evaluating the evidence.

The NBI chief was also pressed on whether pursuing a criminal case against a sitting Vice President could create “bad optics,” particularly if the proceedings eventually resulted in Duterte being arrested or imprisoned.

Matibag declined to weigh in on the political implications.

“that is a political question that i rather not answer.”

NBI Says Investigation Remains Active

The questioning also focused on the NBI’s continuing investigation into the alleged person or group supposedly contacted to carry out the threat.

Matibag said investigators have already identified several individuals connected to the ongoing probe but declined to disclose their identities, citing the continuing investigation.

The NBI has previously said it remains certain that someone was allegedly contacted in connection with the threat, although investigators have yet to establish the identity of the person supposedly approached to carry it out.

As of the latest testimony, the bureau considers the alleged threat against President Marcos “active and continuing.” Matibag said investigators had narrowed their list of persons of interest to fewer than 20 and that several active uniformed personnel were among those being examined.

He also clarified that not everyone identified by investigators should automatically be considered the alleged hired individual. Some may simply possess information that could help the NBI identify the person supposedly contracted.

Pattern of Statements Also Considered

Matibag was also asked why previous statements and press conferences involving Duterte were being considered in the investigation.

The NBI chief explained that investigators were not looking at an isolated statement alone but were examining what he described as a “confluence of events” and a pattern of behavior.

The November 2024 remarks remain central to the criminal complaint. During that press conference, Duterte said she had instructed someone to kill President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and then-House Speaker Martin Romualdez if an alleged plot against her succeeded. The NBI later authenticated the video and submitted its findings to the DOJ.

Matibag previously emphasized that the NBI treats threats against government officials seriously and said the bureau considered Duterte’s statements as part of the basis for filing the criminal complaint.

What Happens Next?

For now, the immediate legal question is the DOJ’s resolution.

Matibag made clear that the NBI has already completed the stage of filing its criminal complaint and is waiting for prosecutors to determine the next course of action.

The DOJ resolution could therefore become a significant turning point in the case—whether the complaint proceeds, what charges are pursued, and what legal remedies may follow.

At the same time, the NBI’s separate investigation into the alleged person contacted to carry out the threat remains open.

For supporters and critics of the Vice President alike, the next major development may now come from the DOJ rather than the NBI.

Key Takeaway

NBI Director Melvin Matibag says the criminal complaint against VP Sara Duterte is already filed and the bureau is now waiting for the DOJ’s resolution before the case can move to its next stage. Meanwhile, the NBI says its investigation into the alleged continuing threat against President Marcos remains active.

Baligod Rebuts Matibag: “Hindi Dapat Ganyan ang Imbestigador”

BBM Watch|Senate Circus|House of Representa’Thieves|Global News

March 18, 2026•3 min read

Baligod Pushes Back Against Matibag’s Statements

Attorney Levito D. Baligod pushed back against several statements he said were made by NBI Director Melvin Matibag regarding the controversy involving the group commonly referred to in public discussions as the 18 ex-Marines.

Speaking to media, Baligod said they had already clarified multiple points earlier and claimed that some of the director’s public statements were inaccurate.

According to Baligod, one of the first issues involved the number of former military personnel linked to the affidavit.

He said Director Matibag allegedly stated that only 14 were Marines, but Baligod countered that the actual composition was 16 Marines and 2 Army personnel.

“Pinakita namin na disisais talaga ang Marines, dalawa ang Army.”

Dispute Over Alleged Recruitment Story

Baligod also denied another claim he attributed to Matibag — that a general from PMA Class 1975 supposedly recruited the men involved.

He said this had already been refuted and insisted that the allegation was not true.

According to Baligod, this was one of several points they had supposedly clarified before investigators.

Baligod Denies Financial Motive

Another issue raised by Baligod was the suggestion that the individuals signed affidavits because of economic problems.

He rejected that claim and said the men were not paid, adding that their goal was to reveal what they described as the truth behind billions allegedly stolen from public funds.

“Hindi kami nabayaran… ang gusto lang namin ay lumabas ang katotohanan.”

That statement directly challenges the idea that money or hardship was the driving force behind the testimonies.

2022 Flight Detail Becomes Key Issue

Baligod also focused on what he described as a major gap in the information attributed to Director Matibag.

He said Matibag allegedly referred only to 2023 to 2025 when discussing whether an air taxi aircraft had gone to Ilocos, while leaving out 2022.

According to Baligod, this omission is significant because the alleged delivery to Ilocos supposedly happened in 2022.

“He conveniently skipped 2022.”

Baligod argued that if investigators were serious about establishing the facts, they should include the period that is central to the allegation.

“An Investigator Should First Be Sure of the Facts”

In one of the strongest parts of his statement, Baligod criticized the alleged handling of information by Director Matibag.

He said an investigator should verify the facts first before making public statements.

“Hindi dapat ganyan ang investigator. Ang investigator bago magbukas ng bunganga, he should first be sure of his facts.”

That remark underscored Baligod’s broader message: that official pronouncements should be grounded in complete and accurate information, especially in a case involving serious public allegations.

Case Remains Contested

The latest exchange adds another layer to the already controversial case, with both sides appearing to dispute not only the evidence, but also the basic framing of the investigation.

At this stage, the claims and rebuttals remain part of an ongoing public dispute.

No final official finding was cited in the statement provided, and the issues Baligod raised continue to be matters of contention.

📖 Bible Reflection

📖 Proverbs 18:13

“To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.”

In any controversy, facts should come before conclusions.