MANILA — The Philippine government has ramped up security measures for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family following public threats against their lives by Vice President Sara Duterte, local media reported Sunday.

The Presidential Security Command (PSC) issued a statement emphasizing its close coordination with law enforcement agencies to "detect, deter, and defend against any and all threats to the president and the first family."

"Any threat to the life of the president and the first family, regardless of its origin — and especially one made so brazenly in public — is treated with the utmost seriousness. We consider this a matter of national security and shall take all necessary measures to ensure the president's safety," the PSC statement read.

The heightened security follows explosive comments made by Vice President Duterte during an online press conference on Friday.

She revealed that she had instructed an individual to assassinate President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez if she were killed.

"I have talked to someone. I told him that if I am killed, he should kill [Marcos], Liza Araneta, and Martin Romualdez. No joke. I already left instructions," Duterte said in Filipino.

She accused Romualdez, Marcos’ cousin, of plotting against her, claiming he views her as the "biggest threat" to his aspirations for the 2028 presidential election.

"If I am killed, I said, don't stop until you have killed them, and then he said 'yes,'" she added.

The vice president is under growing political pressure, including an impeachment threat reportedly spearheaded by Romualdez. Observers view the impeachment effort as part of the intensifying rivalry within the ruling coalition as factions position themselves ahead of the 2028 presidential race.

The escalating tensions mark a significant rift between the country’s top leaders, casting uncertainty over the administration’s stability. — Agencies