The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has issued subpoenas to 18 alleged former Philippine Marines who alleged that they served as bagmen and security aides of resigned congressman Zaldy Co.
According to a report by RH Jecelle Ricafort, NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag confirmed to DZRH News that the bureau has ordered the individuals to appear before the agency next Wednesday.
According to Matibag, the NBI was directed by the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate the allegations made by the former soldiers, as well as verify their identities, backgrounds, and credibility.
He said investigators will also examine the extent of the individuals’ personal knowledge and their alleged participation in the activities they described.
Earlier, the NBI chief urged lawyer Atty. Levi Baligod to voluntarily submit the affidavits of the supposed ex-Marines to the bureau to aid the investigation.
Matibag emphasized that the probe will be evidence-driven and is not intended to disregard or discredit the exposé made by the group.
Matibag said there is a legal process in place to ensure that their testimonies will not lose their validity once the case is brought before the court.
Under the allegations raised by the individuals claiming to be former Marines, they delivered more than P800 billion to public officials and personalities from 2022 to 2025, including President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
