Duterte's threat to assassinate Marcos a 'national security' issue: official

Philippine VP says she instructed assassin to kill president if she were to be killed

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, left, said on Nov. 23 that she would have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assassinated if she were killed. (Source photos by Reuters)

November 24, 2024 17:21 JST

Updated on November 24, 2024 18:27 JST

MANILA (Reuters) -- The Philippines' security council will verify an alleged assassination threat by Vice President Sara Duterte against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a top official said on Sunday, describing it as a "matter of national security."

Duterte, in a strongly-worded morning briefing on Saturday, said she had spoken with an assassin and instructed them to kill Marcos, his wife and the speaker of the Philippine House if she were to be killed.