Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla on Monday said he wants to secure individual affidavits from each of the 18 former soldiers who alleged in a joint sworn statement that they delivered suitcases of cash to officials on instructions of former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co.
“I want to get the individual affidavit of each of them. The allegations are serious,” Remulla said in an interview with GMA News.
“Para alam natin kung ano ang personal knowledge ng bawat isang tao, para malinaw kung ano talaga ’yon. Kasi parang pinagtagpi-tagpi na kuwento ng bawat isa ay ginawang isang affidavit. Hindi dapat ganu’n,” he added.
The Ombudsman will set a date for the former Marines to submit their affidavits.
Remulla earlier said he wants the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to investigate the statements, though Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has expressed doubts, saying the claims were unbelievable and continues to fact-check them.
Remulla also confirmed that he met with the International Criminal Court (ICC) and former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV to discuss the protection of Filipino witnesses in the crimes against humanity case against former President Rodrigo Duterte.