The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has uncovered inconsistencies in the claims of individuals who alleged they served as “bagmen” for former Ako Bicol party-list representative Elizaldy Co, according to NBI Director Melvin Matibag.
In a media interview at the NBI headquarters in Pasay City on Wednesday, Matibag revealed that eight out of the 18 alleged former Marines who came forward were not actually assigned to Co as close-in bodyguards or security aides. The finding emerged during the agency’s ongoing investigation into allegations involving massive kickbacks tied to flood control projects.
Alleged Boss Confirms New Information
Matibag said the NBI received confirmation from the supposed “boss” of the eight individuals, who voluntarily appeared at the agency after receiving a subpoena. According to the NBI chief, the individual personally confirmed that the eight men did not serve Co in the roles they claimed.
“One thing that has come out is that not all of them served Zaldy Co as close-in bodyguards,” Matibag explained.
Investigators have already determined the actual assignments of the eight individuals, who reportedly worked as drivers and bodyguards for other personalities. This discovery raised questions about the credibility of the allegations made during a press conference held in late February.
For security reasons, Matibag declined to publicly identify the individual who confirmed the information. However, he said the identity may eventually be disclosed once proper security measures are in place.
Investigation Into 18 Alleged Former Marines
The controversy began after 18 individuals claiming to be former Marines surfaced with an affidavit alleging they had delivered P805 billion in kickbacks from allegedly anomalous flood control projects to several government officials and personalities.
The NBI responded by issuing 25 subpoenas, including those for the 18 alleged former Marines, their legal counsel Levito Baligod, former congressman Mike Defensor, and other witnesses connected to the affidavit.
Authorities are still verifying the claims of the remaining 10 individuals who said they served as security aides for Co. Matibag stressed that investigators have not yet confirmed whether those individuals were actually assigned to the former lawmaker.
“What I’m sure of now is that the eight didn’t serve Zaldy Co,” he clarified.
More Witnesses Expected to Appear
Several individuals connected to the affidavit have already appeared before the NBI. Lawyer Charlie Pascual, who notarized the affidavit, complied with the subpoena earlier this week. Meanwhile, evangelical leader Efraim Tendero, who served as a witness during the notarization process, is expected to appear before investigators soon.
Further scrutiny also came from the Philippine Navy, which earlier stated that four of the 18 individuals were not members of the Marine Corps, while several others had reportedly been dishonorably discharged from service.
As the investigation continues, the NBI is working to verify the authenticity of the claims and determine whether the alleged corruption scheme has a factual basis or if the accusations were fabricated.