The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) issued a statement on Friday requesting accuracy when referring to the 18 self-confessed former bagmen of former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co, urging the public and media to refrain from calling them “Marines.”
The military clarified that these individuals were no longer part of the service when they were employed by Co.
“For accuracy, we respectfully encourage the use of the individuals’ names, or simply refer to them as witnesses, affiants, or former staff/bodyguards of the concerned personalities, as appropriate,” the AFP said.
The AFP emphasized that the actions and allegations tied to these individuals were carried out in their private capacities, entirely separate from the military institution.
“While some reports have collectively described them as ‘Marines’ or ‘Ex-Marines,’ it is important to note that they were no longer in active military service at the time of the acts and allegations being discussed. These were undertaken in their private capacities and not on behalf of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” the statement read.
Furthermore, the AFP pointed out that not everyone among the 18 witnesses actually served in the Philippine Marine Corps.
“As such, the use of the term ‘Marines’ may unintentionally suggest institutional involvement by the AFP or the Philippine Marine Corps.,” the military explained.
This development follows a Thursday announcement by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) alleging that former Anakalusugan Party-list Representative Mike Defensor may have bribed each of the bagmen with ₱5 million to testify about irregularities in flood control projects.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag stated in a press conference that this intelligence was gathered from an unnamed source who has a direct relationship with one of the bagmen.