The Office of the Ombudsman has summoned 18 alleged former Marines for questioning over their claims of delivering cash to certain officials, according to lawyer Atty. Ferdinand Topacio.

In an ambush interview, Topacio said lawyer Atty. Levi Baligod received a letter from the Ombudsman requesting that the former soldiers be interviewed, similar to the ongoing inquiry being conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), as reported by RH Jecelle Ricafort.

Topacio criticized the move, saying it appeared unnecessary and could amount to harassment.

“Ngayon ko lang po nalaman kasi habang kami ay nagbabalitaktakan doon sa loob [ng NBI] mayroon palang natanggap si Atty. Levi Baligod na isang letter pa mula sa Ombudsman na ito rin ang gagawin, gusto rin interviewhin yung mga 18 Marines,” Topacio said.

He also questioned why the Ombudsman would conduct its own questioning after deputizing the NBI to handle the investigation.

“Bakit pa ide-deputize mo yung NBI pagkatapos gagawin mo rin the same thing, ikaw rin. E di ba meron tayong sinasabing the spring cannot rise higher than the source. Ikaw na nga yung source ng deputization, di-deputize mo ito, mag-iimbestiga, tapos ikaw rin mag-iimbestiga,” Topacio said.

Topacio added that the move could result in unnecessary duplication and inconvenience for the individuals involved.

Former congressman Mike Defensor said that he and Topacio were shown the letter from the Ombudsman and raised concerns about two agencies conducting separate inquiries at the same time.

“You cannot do that, at the same time na may dalawang agencies conducting their respective,” Defensor said.

Topacio described the situation as a duplication of investigative efforts. He declined to say when the 18 individuals were asked to appear before the Ombudsman, saying Baligod would be the one to disclose further details.

Meanwhile, the NBI clarified that the 18 former Marines are considered "potential witnesses" and not suspects.

Baligod made the statement after appearing before the bureau in response to a subpoena.

According to the lawyer, they plan to present evidence against certain government officials who allegedly received suitcases of cash from former Congressman Zaldy Co.

Baligod said the former soldiers are expected to return to the NBI next week to submit additional documents and evidence related to the case.