Claire reports alleged death threats from Trixie to NBI

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro yesterday filed a blotter report at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) headquarters in Pasay City over an alleged death threat posted on social media by former Palace press secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles.

Castro said the post contained insulting remarks and statements she viewed as a threat to her life.

A portion of the post stated: “Sana rin, sa bagong taong ito, maintindihan mo na oras na nilaglag ka ng humans mo, appendix at coccyx mo lang ang walang latay, resulta ng mga pinagagagawa mo (I hope you understand that once you are dropped by your masters, only your appendix and coccyx will be left without bruises, as a result of what you have been doing).”

Castro said the social post by Angeles on Jan. 2 went beyond criticism.

“I have to report this matter because if something happens to me, at least the people spreading this kind of grave threat have been reported,” Castro told reporters.

She said she is still weighing whether to file formal charges, but admitted the post caused fear.

“Of course I was scared. I am not used to death threats. Saying that only parts of my body will be left unhurt means something else. That is already a threat to my life,” Castro said.

The post was still on Angeles’ social media page as of yesterday, Castro said.

She also reminded critics of the administration to exercise free expression responsibly.

“Freedom of expression does not require threatening someone’s life. No discourse is resolved through violence or threats,” Castro said.