NBI identifies person of interest in death threats against Senator Hontiveros

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has identified a person of interest in its investigation into online death threats directed at Senator Risa Hontiveros, NBI Director Melvin Matibag said on Thursday.

Matibag disclosed the development in an ambush interview, saying the bureau has already begun investigating the threats and has coordinated with Hontiveros' chief of staff as part of its case buildup.

The senator earlier revealed that she had become one of the targets of what she described as a wave of online death threats and "pro-killing" remarks that surfaced after the killing of vlogger Alicia Lipata, popularly known as Mima Alicia.

“There is a (person of interest). It is in the social media post itself. And we are submitting it to the Forensic Laboratory at the Cybercrime Division for proper disposition,” Matibag said.

According to the NBI chief, investigators are gathering evidence before deciding whether criminal charges should be filed with the Department of Justice.

“After the case buildup, if we feel that it’s enough for us to file a case, we will file one with the DOJ (Department of Justice),” he said.

Matibag expressed concern over the increasing number of online death threats, saying such incidents have become commonplace on social media and now pose a broader security concern.

“So we need to stop this. It’s very alarming because even our high-ranking government officials receive death threats. That’s why I say that our national security will be under attack right now,” Matibag said.

He also warned those responsible that the NBI would not hesitate to take legal action if warranted by the evidence.

“As law enforcement, we will do our law. We will do our mandate. As to the law and order, if we need to go after you, we will go after you.”

“But make no mistake that this will be political or personal. We will base our actions on evidence and according to the process and to the law,” Matibag said.