Duterte accuses NBI of coercive tactics against ex-official

Vice President Sara Duterte accused the National Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday of attempting to coerce former Davao City information officer Jeffrey Tupas into traveling to Manila in exchange for money and other benefits.

Duterte made the assertion during a public statement, alleging the NBI employed pressure tactics in its approach to Tupas. She did not provide specific details about the nature of the incentives or the timeline of the alleged incident.

Tupas was named among individuals connected to testimony provided by Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., a former police officer who has made claims regarding the transport of large sums of money. The exact nature of Gracioso's allegations remains under investigation.

The Vice President's comments add to ongoing scrutiny of investigative practices by national security agencies. The NBI has not yet responded to the allegations.

The incident underscores tensions between regional officials and national law enforcement bodies over investigation methodologies and the treatment of witnesses in high-profile cases.