Former Anakalusugan Partylist Representative Mike Defensor on Monday alleged that a supposed aide of former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co — John Paul Estrada — and his pregnant wife were assaulted and forcibly taken out of the country to prevent him from testifying on the alleged anomalous flood control projects.
In a television interview, Defensor claimed that National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) personnel and “active” government operatives were involved in allegedly detaining the couple and flying them abroad using fake passports.
Estrada was earlier implicated in the controversy after retired Marine Sgt. Orly Guteza told the Senate blue ribbon committee that he delivered cash-filled suitcases to Co and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, which were routinely received by Estrada and another aide, Mark Tecsay.
According to Defensor, the couple was first brought to Taiwan, where the alleged beating occurred.
“Before lumipad sa Chile, they were in Taiwan if I’m not mistaken… Binugbog ‘yung mag-asawa. ‘Yun ‘yung claim ng wife. Kasi ‘yung Paul and the wife magkasama and ‘yung wife is pregnant,” he said.
They were later transported to Chile — a country without an extradition treaty with the Philippines — based on information from Senate Deputy Minority Leader Rodante Marcoleta.
Defensor added that the wife reported another incident of assault abroad, claiming “may mga active personnel daw, may NBI pa.”
The couple also allegedly said their Philippine passports had been confiscated.
“Meron kaming Philippine passport pero ‘di namin alam ang pangalan namin. Cinonfiscate nila,” the wife reportedly told Defensor’s source.
He added that their real passports were seized before departure, and they were flown out using different documents.