Six of the 18 individuals claiming to be former Marines are facing murder charges, according to Ombudsman Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Remulla said the group appeared at a recent press conference, accusing high-profile officials of receiving cash, but noted that several signatories are no longer in active service.

Remulla emphasized that the affidavits filed by the group must be based on personal knowledge, and current documents show conflicting accounts of their status and whereabouts.

To verify the claims, the Ombudsman’s office has deputized the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to validate the identities of the signatories.

The Ombudsman also suggested the press conference may have been a politically motivated attempt to create unrest within the military. He assured the public that his office remains impartial and is not personally conducting the investigation to avoid conflicts of interest.