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Defensor Questions NBI Subpoena Over 'Brave 18' Press Conference; Raises Concern Over Wife's Alleged Inclusion
Photo credit: Mike Defensor
Former congressman Mike Defensor has raised concerns over a subpoena issued by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in connection with the controversial press conference involving a group of 18 individuals who claimed to be former Marines, arguing that authorities should focus instead on investigating the corruption allegations they raised.
In a social media post, Defensor criticized what he described as a troubling development in the ongoing probe, saying investigators appear to be focusing more on the individuals who helped bring the allegations to light rather than examining the claims themselves.
“Ang pagpapalabas ng subpoena ng National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) kaugnay ng press conference ng tinaguriang Brave 18 ay lubhang nakababahala,” Defensor wrote.
The former lawmaker said the key issue should be determining whether the accusations are true.
“Ang tanong ay simple: totoo ba o hindi ang mga alegasyon ng korupsyon? Iyon ang dapat imbestigahan.”
NBI probe tied to corruption allegations
The controversy began after lawyer Levito Baligod presented 18 individuals who introduced themselves as former members of the Philippine Marines during a press conference in late February.
In a sworn affidavit, the group alleged that they had been tasked to deliver large amounts of cash to several public officials, supposedly linked to questionable flood control projects.
The affidavit was later submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman, which subsequently deputized the NBI to investigate the claims and the circumstances surrounding the public disclosures.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag confirmed that subpoenas were issued to several individuals connected to the press conference, including Defensor, Baligod, and the individuals who claimed to be former Marines.
Complaints filed by officials named in affidavit
Several public officials mentioned in the affidavit have strongly denied the accusations and have begun filing legal complaints.
Among them is Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ National Security Adviser, who filed a complaint before the Department of Justice against the alleged ex-Marines, Baligod, and Defensor for alleged violations related to unlawful publication and statements under the Revised Penal Code and the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV has also filed cyberlibel, perjury, and related complaints against the group and several personalities who circulated the allegations.
Authorities have also said that some of the individuals presented as former Marines could not be verified in official military records, according to statements from the Philippine Navy.
Defensor questions alleged inclusion of his wife
In his statement, Defensor also expressed concern that the subpoena reportedly included his wife, Julie Defensor, whom he said had no involvement in the matter.
“Mas nakababahala ang pagsama sa subpoena ng aking asawa na si Julie Defensor. Wala siyang anumang kinalaman sa aking pagsuporta kina Atty. Levy Baligod at sa mga sundalong naglakas-loob magsalita. Ang pagdawit sa kanya ay malinaw na pananakot at panggigipit,” he said.
Defensor has previously acknowledged helping the group by providing logistical support, such as transportation to the press conference, but maintained that he had no role in preparing the affidavit or the allegations contained in it.
Investigation continues
The issue has quickly evolved into a broader political and legal dispute involving several high-profile figures, raising questions about both the credibility of the allegations and the possible legal consequences for those who made or publicized them.
Supporters of the investigation say authorities must determine whether the corruption claims have factual basis, while critics argue the accusations could be part of a smear campaign against officials named in the affidavit.
For now, the NBI inquiry is expected to determine whether the statements made by the alleged former Marines constitute evidence of wrongdoing—or whether they could lead to criminal liability for those who publicly circulated the allegations.
In a social media post, Defensor criticized what he described as a troubling development in the ongoing probe, saying investigators appear to be focusing more on the individuals who helped bring the allegations to light rather than examining the claims themselves.
“Ang pagpapalabas ng subpoena ng National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) kaugnay ng press conference ng tinaguriang Brave 18 ay lubhang nakababahala,” Defensor wrote.
The former lawmaker said the key issue should be determining whether the accusations are true.
“Ang tanong ay simple: totoo ba o hindi ang mga alegasyon ng korupsyon? Iyon ang dapat imbestigahan.”
NBI probe tied to corruption allegations
The controversy began after lawyer Levito Baligod presented 18 individuals who introduced themselves as former members of the Philippine Marines during a press conference in late February.
In a sworn affidavit, the group alleged that they had been tasked to deliver large amounts of cash to several public officials, supposedly linked to questionable flood control projects.
The affidavit was later submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman, which subsequently deputized the NBI to investigate the claims and the circumstances surrounding the public disclosures.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag confirmed that subpoenas were issued to several individuals connected to the press conference, including Defensor, Baligod, and the individuals who claimed to be former Marines.
Complaints filed by officials named in affidavit
Several public officials mentioned in the affidavit have strongly denied the accusations and have begun filing legal complaints.
Among them is Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ National Security Adviser, who filed a complaint before the Department of Justice against the alleged ex-Marines, Baligod, and Defensor for alleged violations related to unlawful publication and statements under the Revised Penal Code and the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV has also filed cyberlibel, perjury, and related complaints against the group and several personalities who circulated the allegations.
Authorities have also said that some of the individuals presented as former Marines could not be verified in official military records, according to statements from the Philippine Navy.
Defensor questions alleged inclusion of his wife
In his statement, Defensor also expressed concern that the subpoena reportedly included his wife, Julie Defensor, whom he said had no involvement in the matter.
“Mas nakababahala ang pagsama sa subpoena ng aking asawa na si Julie Defensor. Wala siyang anumang kinalaman sa aking pagsuporta kina Atty. Levy Baligod at sa mga sundalong naglakas-loob magsalita. Ang pagdawit sa kanya ay malinaw na pananakot at panggigipit,” he said.
Defensor has previously acknowledged helping the group by providing logistical support, such as transportation to the press conference, but maintained that he had no role in preparing the affidavit or the allegations contained in it.
Investigation continues
The issue has quickly evolved into a broader political and legal dispute involving several high-profile figures, raising questions about both the credibility of the allegations and the possible legal consequences for those who made or publicized them.
Supporters of the investigation say authorities must determine whether the corruption claims have factual basis, while critics argue the accusations could be part of a smear campaign against officials named in the affidavit.
For now, the NBI inquiry is expected to determine whether the statements made by the alleged former Marines constitute evidence of wrongdoing—or whether they could lead to criminal liability for those who publicly circulated the allegations.
Mar 6, 2026
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