The appearance of 16 of the 18 self-identified former Marines at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Thursday ended in a deadlock, according to NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag.

According to a report by RH Jecelle Ricafort, Matibag said that the former soldiers refused to answer questions regarding their affidavits. During the session, the bureau only collected personal information from the ex-Marines, including their identification details.

Matibag expressed hope that the former Marines will provide statements when they return on March 17, which could help advance the investigation. He noted that the subpoena issued to them is not limited to a background check, contrary to the ex-Marines’ claims.

The NBI chief suggested that it would be preferable for each former Marine to submit an individual affidavit and to engage separate legal counsel. Currently, the bureau is also investigating its legal representative, Atty. Levi Baligod.

Matibag further warned against using the investigation for political purposes, emphasizing that the NBI will not allow the process to be exploited for political interest.