MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang called on law enforcement agencies to act on reports about an alleged plan by Vice President Sara Duterte’s supporters to attack Malacañang on June 12.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro issued the statement after columnist Ramon Tulfo claimed on social media that intelligence reports discussed during a meeting in Camp Crame allegedly involved a plan by pro-Duterte groups to “storm Malacañang” on Independence Day.
In a statement, Castro said it was the responsibility of law enforcement and investigative agencies to address any unlawful activities should credible threats emerge.
“It is within the mandate of law enforcement agencies and investigating bodies to act on these kinds of illegal activities,” Castro said.
Tulfo, in a Facebook post, cited an unnamed source who allegedly attended a meeting at Camp Crame.
He said the agenda of the meeting included discussions on a supposed plan by pro-Duterte groups to attack the Palace during the Independence Day celebration.
Tulfo claimed the Philippine National Police (PNP) had received intelligence reports about the alleged plot, which he said would be led by a religious sect.
“My tweety bird who attended the meeting in Camp Crame says the agenda was the plan to storm Malacanang by pro-Sara groups on June 12, to coincide with the Independence Day. The PNP has received intelligence reports of a planned attack on the Palace to be led by a religious sect,” Tulfo said.
“According to my tweety bird, the conferees tackled the defense of Malacanang,” he added.
Castro, however, said authorities have yet to verify the supposed plot.
She urged the public to remain cautious against groups allegedly seeking to exploit political tensions.
“Let us all be wary of the forces of darkness,” the Palace official said.
“But actions like these are nothing new, as they have long wanted to install their leader who is greedy for power, even before 2028,” she added.
The President is expected to lead the country’s Independence Day celebrations on June 12, although details of the event have yet to be announced.