The political arena in the Philippines has been rocked by a shocking revelation from the Vice President.
According to Breitbart, Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has made a public declaration that she has orchestrated plans for the assassination of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other key political figures should harm come to her.
The significant escalation in political tensions came after Duterte’s stark announcement during a press conference. She claimed that she had already contracted an assassin tasked with killing President Marcos, his wife Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez if she is fatally targeted.
Immediate Security Enhancement Following Threats
In response, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin immediately reported the threat to a specialized presidential guard unit, prompting heightened security measures around the President. The seriousness of Duterte's threat is seen as a potential national security threat.
These increased security protocols underline the gravity with which the situation has been taken by the Presidential Security Command. Working in close coordination with other law enforcement agencies, efforts are intensified to safeguard the president and his entourage from any possible retaliatory acts.
The duo of Marcos and Duterte, once running mates in the May 2022 elections championing national unity, has seen their camaraderie crumble to dust. After disagreements over several key policy issues, Duterte stepped down from her roles as the Secretary of Education and head of an anti-insurgency commission in June.
Corruption and Political Rivalries Surface
Further aggravating the political climate, Duterte has publicly accused President Marcos, his wife, and Speaker Romualdez of corruption and political persecution.
This accusation stems in part from the detention of her chief of staff, Zuleika Lopez, by what she claims are the machinations of her political adversaries.
Amid these accusations and betrayals, Duterte’s sense of personal threat has reached a boiling point. “Don’t worry about my security because I’ve talked with somebody. I said ‘If I’m killed, you’ll kill BBM, Liza Araneta, and Martin Romualdez. No joke, no joke,’” she expressed in a moment of severe distress.
Sara Duterte, in her voice, clarified the depth of her resolve: “I’ve given my order, ‘If I die, don’t stop until you’ve killed them.’ And he said, ’ Yes,’”
The chilling nature of the threats has legal implications under the Philippine penal code, which may include charges leading to fines or imprisonment for propaganda of violence. Military chief Gen. Romeo Brawner has called for calm and emphasized the armed forces' commitment to maintaining neutrality and respecting democratic processes.
Call for Stability in Turbulent Times
“We call for calm and resolve,” declared Gen. Romeo Brawner during a tense moment in the nation's capital. “We reiterate our need to stand together against those who will try to break our bonds as Filipinos.” These words serve as a reminder of the country’s commitment to democratic and peaceful resolution in times of political upheaval.
As the events unfold, the international community watches closely, concerned about the implications this internal conflict may have not only on the stability of the Philippines but potentially on geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly regarding disputes over the South China Sea.
Ultimately, the nation remains at a critical juncture, with calls for resolution, peace, and unity echoing through the corridors of power in hopes of a return to diplomatic and civil means of conflict resolution. The eyes of the Philippines and the world are fixed firmly on how this unprecedented situation will develop and resolve.
