VP Duterte's former information officer: 'The Dutertes have no reason to cause me any harm'

Vice President Sara Duterte’s former information officer, Jefry Tupas, submitted an affidavit to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Thursday, strongly denying allegations raised by dismissed policeman Rodulfo Gracioso Jr.

In a statement dated October 1, Tupas confirmed that his legal counsel, Atty. Toby Diokno, delivered the affidavit to the NBI headquarters in Manila.

The filing follows an NBI subpoena directing Tupas to appear before NBI Director Melvin Matibag on October 1 over an investigation into potential violations of the Anti-Plunder Act (RA 7080), Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019), and Anti-Money Laundering Act (RA 9160).

Tupas disclosed that prior to receiving the subpoena, NBI personnel—identifying as members of the Special Assistant for Mindanao Concerns office—visited his residence early in the morning on September 29.

He was informed that the bureau had detected a “verifiable threat” against his life.

While the NBI offered protective security for him and his family, Tupas declined.

He noted that Matibag personally reached out via phone to discuss the security situation and requested an in-person meeting in Manila.

“I explicitly requested that the NBI send me a formal invitation instead,” Tupas stated.

However, Tupas noted that instead of an invitation regarding security concerns, the bureau served him a subpoena dated September 28, compelling his testimony regarding the graft, plunder, and money laundering inquiries.

Addressing the contents of Gracioso’s publicly released affidavit, Tupas dismissed the claims as “farcical” and “deeply outrageous,” asserting they could easily be disproved by facts. He specifically rejected claims that the Vice President or her family posed a threat to his life.

“I am confident that the Dutertes have no reason to cause me any harm,” Tupas insisted.

Despite his stance, Tupas acknowledged growing concern for his family's safety following reports of the alleged threat. He revealed that suspicious individuals have been spotted near his family’s residences and workplaces, incidents his legal team is currently documenting.

“I am now a private citizen, and my only wish is to be spared from being used as a pawn, tool, or leverage in schemes to persecute Ms. Sara Z. Duterte and the Duterte family,” Tupas said. “I hope that I will be allowed to live a quiet and simple life—away from the chaos of politics.” -Paraluman News