Malacañang has expressed support for the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) request to stop identifying a controversial group of witnesses as “18 ex-Marines.”
The Palace emphasized that the individuals were no longer active military members when they allegedly served as security personnel for former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that the group should instead be referred to as the “18 witnesses” or “18 bodyguards,” aligning with the military’s formal appeal.
The branding issue came to light during a Senate hearing where Senator Raffy Tulfo labeled the group as “18 kargadors” (porters).
Castro noted that this description closely mirrors how the Executive branch views the group’s alleged involvement in the scandal.
“Actually, ‘18 Maleta Boys, 18 Basurero’ – puwero po sila i-describe na ganoon sa ating pananaw. Bakit basurero? Hindi ba mga basura ang kanilang sinasabing kinukuha at dinadala?” she remarked.
However, Castro clarified that the core concern of the AFP remains the persistent use of the term “ex-Marines” by the media and public officials.
“Nakiusap lang naman po ang AFP na huwag nang tawagin na sila ay ex-Marines dahil sila po ay wala na sa serbisyo noong sila ay pumasok bilang bodyguards ni Zaldy Co,” Castro said.
She stressed that the military simply wants descriptions that accurately reflect the individuals’ professional status during the period of the alleged events.
“So, ang request nga po ng AFP ay kung maaaring tawagin na lang na ‘18 Witnesses’ or ‘18 Bodyguards,’” she added.
The issue stems from allegations that the 18 individuals transported bags and boxes containing kickbacks from government flood control projects. The claims are currently the subject of an ongoing Senate investigation into the suspected misuse of public funds.