Former Anakalusugan Party-list Representative Mike Defensor clarified that Orly Guteza, the former security consultant of ex-Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co, is under the protection of the Philippine Marines and is not in hiding.

Defensor issued the statement after reports surfaced that Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson flagged the absence of Guteza from his registered address.

According to Defensor, Guteza was placed under Marine protection after suspicious individuals were seen loitering near him.

Defensor said, adding that the individual observed following Guteza had reportedly been apprehended, based on Marine records.

Guteza earlier testified before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, alleging that he personally delivered bags of cash to former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and former Congressman Zaldy Co.

As of this writing, the Philippine Marine Corps have not yet issued a statement regarding Defensor’s claim.