Four of the 18 supposed former members of the Philippine Marine Corps, who had linked themselves as aides to former Congressman Elizaldy Co, had never been members of the army, and many of the others were dishonorably discharged from service, the Philippine Navy said on Tuesday.

Earlier, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) issued a statement cautioning the public against disinformation.

A private lawyer claimed that these 18 individuals served as bagmen who delivered ₱805 billion to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

According to AFP Public Affairs Chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad, these allegations must be verified through legal processes and investigation. He warned the public against possible disinformation and against using legitimate media channels to spread unsubstantiated claims, reported RH 52 Edniel Parrosa.

“At present, these statements consist of allegations aired in a public forum and must be evaluated through proper legal and investigative processes before competent authorities,” Trinidad said.

“We caution against grandstanding and the manipulative use of legitimate media to spread unverified claims that may contribute to disinformation. The Filipino people deserve facts, and we urge all parties to allow lawful processes to take their course,” he concluded.

Trinidad made the statement after DZRH reached out to the AFP to inquire about the veracity of the claim that these individuals truly were former Marines and companions of retired personnel Orly Guteza, who delivered numerous suitcases of cash.

The group alleged that $2 million was provided to the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigators, which had been supposedly turned over to former Senator Antonio "Sonny" Trillanes IV, who has vehemently denied the accusation.

The AFP earlier warned that there are individuals hoping to undermine the military to anger the Filipino people before the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.