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Advocates Philippines
NBI Questions 18 Alleged Ex-Marines; Defensor, Topacio Protest Subpoenas
Screengrab from Mike Defensor
The National Bureau of Investigation on Thursday questioned a group of 18 men who claim to be former members of the Philippine Marine Corps after issuing subpoenas as part of an investigation into controversial corruption allegations.
The men appeared at the NBI headquarters to comply with the summons after submitting a joint affidavit claiming they had delivered cash to several personalities allegedly linked to former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co.
Former congressman Mike Defensor and lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, who have been associated with the group, criticized the probe and questioned the issuance of subpoenas.
Topacio described the move as harassment.
“This is a form of harassment, intimidation and intends to send a chilling effect,” Topacio said.
Lawyers question subpoenas
Defensor, who previously served as a representative of the Anakalusugan party-list group, accompanied members of the group during their appearance at the NBI.
Lawyer Levito Baligod, who helped prepare the affidavit submitted by the alleged ex-Marines, was also subpoenaed by investigators.
In a social media post, Defensor said he and his wife had likewise received subpoenas related to the investigation.
Authorities, however, said the inquiry is part of a broader effort to verify the claims made in the affidavit.
NBI verifying claims
NBI officials said they are examining the credibility of the allegations and checking military records to confirm the identities of the individuals who claimed to have served as Marines.
The Philippine Navy has earlier said that at least four of the 18 individuals were never members of the Navy or the Marine Corps, raising questions about the group’s statements.
Investigators said the probe is focused on validating the allegations and determining whether the claims are supported by evidence.
Investigation continues
The NBI has not filed any charges related to the group’s claims so far, saying the inquiry remains part of an ongoing fact-finding investigation.
Authorities are also looking into the circumstances surrounding the affidavit and the individuals involved in preparing and witnessing the document.
The men appeared at the NBI headquarters to comply with the summons after submitting a joint affidavit claiming they had delivered cash to several personalities allegedly linked to former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co.
Former congressman Mike Defensor and lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, who have been associated with the group, criticized the probe and questioned the issuance of subpoenas.
Topacio described the move as harassment.
“This is a form of harassment, intimidation and intends to send a chilling effect,” Topacio said.
Lawyers question subpoenas
Defensor, who previously served as a representative of the Anakalusugan party-list group, accompanied members of the group during their appearance at the NBI.
Lawyer Levito Baligod, who helped prepare the affidavit submitted by the alleged ex-Marines, was also subpoenaed by investigators.
In a social media post, Defensor said he and his wife had likewise received subpoenas related to the investigation.
Authorities, however, said the inquiry is part of a broader effort to verify the claims made in the affidavit.
NBI verifying claims
NBI officials said they are examining the credibility of the allegations and checking military records to confirm the identities of the individuals who claimed to have served as Marines.
The Philippine Navy has earlier said that at least four of the 18 individuals were never members of the Navy or the Marine Corps, raising questions about the group’s statements.
Investigators said the probe is focused on validating the allegations and determining whether the claims are supported by evidence.
Investigation continues
The NBI has not filed any charges related to the group’s claims so far, saying the inquiry remains part of an ongoing fact-finding investigation.
Authorities are also looking into the circumstances surrounding the affidavit and the individuals involved in preparing and witnessing the document.
Mar 12, 2026
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