MANILA, Philippines — Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Thursday revealed that Ramil Madriaga, who earlier claimed to be the alleged “bagman” of Vice President Sara Duterte, has already named individuals believed to be contracted hitmen.
Remulla said Madriaga had begun cooperating and providing information during ongoing proceedings.
“It was an option from the very start. In fact, may mga na-name na siya na contracted hitman. I think it will come out in the future testimonies,” Remulla said in an interview on Unang Hirit.
Madriaga earlier submitted a supplemental affidavit that was read during a House justice panel hearing on the impeachment complaint against the Vice President. In his statement, he accused former President Rodrigo Duterte of allegedly planning either an assassination attempt or a coup against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. if he failed to step down in 2025.
The allegations were immediately rejected by the Vice President’s camp, which dismissed the claims as baseless and “pure fiction.”
Malacañang, meanwhile, said it is up to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to verify and investigate the claims made by Madriaga.
Remulla also stressed that threats against the President remain constant, regardless of their source, noting that Marcos is heavily protected due to his position.
He likewise commented on recent remarks made by Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte against the administration, saying public officials should exercise restraint and statesmanship in their statements.
ia/xf
