Former Anakalusugan Partylist Representative Mike Defensor alleged on Monday that retired Marine Sgt. Orly Guteza—the Senate witness who claimed to have delivered cash-filled suitcases to former House Speaker Martin Romualdez—is now being “detained” by the intelligence arm of the Philippine Marines.
Defensor said Guteza was initially taken “to protect him” but is now being held against his will.
“Kinuha siya nung Marines to protect him. Hindi nila pwedeng i-deny… Nasa MC2, which is the intelligence arm of the Marines, which is his mother unit nung active pa siya,” he said.
When asked if Guteza remained in Marine custody, Defensor added: “I’m not sure… Ngayon ang nangyari hindi na siya protected… Detained na siya by the Marines.”
He said he was speaking out only after Guteza’s family was secured. Guteza, who previously served as security aide to former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co, testified that he delivered ₱48-million suitcases to both Co and Romualdez.
More than a month after the hearing, Guteza has disappeared, and authorities have yet to determine his whereabouts.
The Manila RTC recently ordered the filing of a criminal case against Guteza for allegedly forging the signature of a notary public in his affidavit.