The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has launched an inquiry into allegations by 18 supposed former members of the Philippine Marines who claimed they delivered billions of pesos in kickbacks to government officials from anomalous flood control projects.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag confirmed the probe during a Department of Justice briefing, noting that the investigation was requested by the Office of the Ombudsman after the group, represented by lawyer Levito Baligod, filed a joint affidavit on February 28.
Matibag said the NBI has been deputized to conduct a full investigation and will “go where the evidence leads.”
He assured the public that while no timeline has been set, the bureau aims to move quickly.
“We want to do it as fast as possible,” he emphasized.
The director noted that other groups may issue statements or make revelations regarding the flood control issue, but the NBI will remain impartial and focus on verified evidence.
He also revealed that a background check on the 18 individuals is ongoing.
Verification showed that not all of them were actual members of the Marine Corps, and “some of them in fact have some criminal cases,” Matibag disclosed, stressing that all matters will be thoroughly examined.