The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has summoned 18 alleged former Marines who claimed they delivered large sums of cash to current and former government officials.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag confirmed on Friday that subpoenas were also issued to several individuals linked to the controversy, including former lawmaker Mike Defensor of the Anakalusugan Party-list, lawyer Levito Baligod, and the lawyer who notarized the affidavits of the supposed ex-Marines.
“We are deputized by the Ombudsman to investigate the issue,” Matibag told reporters.
The subpoenas followed complaints filed with the Department of Justice (DOJ) by National Security Adviser Eduardo Año and former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV.
The controversy erupted last month when Baligod presented the 18 men in a press conference, claiming they had witnessed the delivery of massive cash kickbacks to politicians from alleged irregularities in flood control projects. The group alleged that the transactions could amount to as much as ₱805 billion.
The men further claimed they previously served as aides to former Ako Bicol Party-list representative Zaldy Co, whom they identified as a central figure in the supposed scheme.
Malacañang has dismissed the accusations, describing them as a “lousy script” that is “not award-worthy,” while urging law enforcement agencies to pursue a thorough investigation.