Sara Duterte ex-aide: NBI agents offered me cash, Forbes Park stay

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Former Davao City chief information officer Jefry Tupas on Wednesday said National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents allegedly offered him cash and a place to stay in the upscale Forbes Park in Makati City.

In a statement relayed by his lawyer, Caesar Europa, Tupas said the offer came after authorities supposedly visited him to offer protection amid an alleged threat of abduction by the Dutertes following the cash delivery claims of dismissed policeman Rodulfo Gracioso, Jr.

Tupas said NBI Director Melvin Matibag also assured him that the bureau would protect him and his family.

Europa said Tupas declined the alleged offer.

Tupas has not identified the NBI personnel who allegedly made the offer, nor presented any evidence to substantiate his claim.

It also remains unclear whether the offer of accommodation was meant as a security measure amid an alleged threat against Tupas or was offered as an inducement for his cooperation or testimony.

In a sworn statement, Gracioso had claimed that he delivered suitcases containing cash to Vice President Sara Duterte, Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte, and former President Rodrigo Duterte on the supposed instructions of then-House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.

He also claimed that Tupas received some of the suitcases on Duterte's behalf.

In a press conference in Davao City on Tuesday, Duterte denied Gracioso's allegations. She also claimed that cash was being offered to individuals to testify about Gracioso's affidavit, citing Tupas' experience.

For his part, Tupas has submitted an affidavit to the NBI denying Gracioso's claims.— MCG, GMA News

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