Jamaine Punzalan

Article (news)

Zyann Ambrosio

RG Cruz

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17737147972501773714794423.jpeg" style="width:960px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Supposed former Marines, together with Mike Defensor, face members of the media during an interview session at Valle Verde Country Club on March 5, 2026. <em>Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA (<strong>UPDATED</strong>) — Eighteen individuals claiming to be former Marines who acted as bagmen responsible for delivering bribes to government officials made their second appearance before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday. </p><p>The group did not give any statement to the media, but were complete in their NBI reappearance, their lawyer said. </p><p>Only sixteen members of the group joined their <a class="fr-strong fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/12/-ex-marines-arrive-at-nbi-after-subpoena-over-bribery-claims-1018">first NBI appearance</a> on March 12.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/13/matibag-ex-marines-mum-during-nbi-appearance-1145">‘Wala namang nagsasalita’: Matibag says ‘ex-Marines’ mum during NBI appearance</a></div><p>The men who were presented as former soldiers were subpoenaed last March 12, as part of an ongoing investigation linked to their joint affidavit.</p><p>In a media advisory, NBI Director Melvin Matibag confirmed that authorities have completed one-on-one interviews with the respondents, saying this helped clarify key issues.</p><p>&quot;Nagpapasalamat ako dahil… nagawa natin na sila’y matanong na isa-isa. Patunay lang ito na yung hangarin namin na bigyan ng linaw ang katanungan. Pwede naman talagang pag-usapan ng maayos,&quot; Matibag said.</p><p>He added that all respondents have already answered investigators’ questions, and that agents are now consolidating the results into a report.</p><p>According to Matibag, the findings will be used to assess the credibility of testimonies and address key concerns before being submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman.</p><p>&quot;It will establish the credibility of the testimony and will address all the concerns. Isusumiti namin sa Office of the Ombudsman,&quot; he added.</p><p>Atty. Levi Baligod earlier noted that the NBI&#x27;s summons only covers questions on identity verification. He said they raised concerns when questions went beyond this and touched on the affidavit. </p><p>The lawyer also disclosed that the NBI requested documents and evidence such as employment contracts, chat screenshots, and original photos. </p><p>However, he said securing employment records has been difficult due to the unavailability of the issuing authority. As an alternative, they plan to submit secondary evidence, including photographs of identification cards previously surrendered after their termination from the armed forces.</p><p>Baligod added that they will comply with the Ombudsman&#x27;s order for the 18 men to submit separate affidavits.</p><p>Baligod also dismissed suggestions that the 18 should replace him as their legal counsel due to his own legal issues, stressing that his clients have the right to choose their lawyer and that no rule requires a lawyer under investigation to withdraw at this stage.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>BLUE RIBBON PROBE</strong></div><p>Meanwhile, Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chair Panfilo Lacson said Tuesday majority of the panel’s members were not keen on hearing the testimony of the 18 supposed former soldiers. </p><p>&quot;May mga gustong patawag, pero mas marami yung huwag nang ipatawag kasi magugulo lang yung hearing,&quot; Lacson said.</p><p>The Senate President Pro Tempore added that the supposed former Marines’ lawyer Levito Baligod made no effort to reach out to the panel for them to testify. &quot;Walang effort na makipag-usap na baka pwedeng tawagin. Wala. In-offer ko na,&quot; he said. </p><p>Lacson has flagged the initial affidavit of the 18 for inconsistencies. He said he was wary that other senators could order the 18 detained and be accused of oppressing witnesses.</p><p>&quot;Sabihin natin, public opinion, parang inaapi niyo pa yung mga resource persons. But we should treat them in the same manner that we treated the other resource persons. When they are lying through their teeth, eh mahirap naman sigurong double standard tayo,&quot; he said.</p><p>Instead, the panel set a hearing on April 14 to hear the testimony of former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson on the flood control scandal. Singson was at the Senate on Monday. </p><p>Lacson said Singson wrote him to ask to testify and he agreed. </p><p>Lacson added that he set the hearing after the Holy Week to make sure there would be enough senators present.</p><p>&quot;But if we can hold it much earlier, then why not? Because, alam mo, mag-break kami starting Thursday or Friday. Kung agad-agad tatawag ng hearing, baka nasa vacation mode pa yung ano, baka ako lang mag-isa na dyan,&quot; he said. </p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2025/9/19/chavit-singson-probe-into-flood-control-projects-should-start-in-ilocos-norte-1716">Chavit Singson: Probe into flood control projects should start in Ilocos Norte</a></div><p>So far, no other senators have signed the <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/2/sc-urged-direct-senate-to-release-blue-ribbon-report-on-flood-control-mess-1152">partial committee report</a> on the scandal. Lacson previously announced that only he and Senators Risa Hontiveros, Kiko Pangilinan, and Bam Aquino have signed.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/11/five-signatures-needed-to-send-partial-flood-control-probe-report-to-senate-floor-1944">Five signatures needed to send partial flood control probe report to Senate floor</a></div><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/10/lacson-marcoleta-face-off-over-delayed-blue-ribbon-report-1800">Lacson, Marcoleta face off over &#x27;delayed&#x27; Blue Ribbon report </a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div><iframe width="1022" height="575" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3iWy_EQQ7y0" title="18 people, 1 affidavit: Assistant Ombudsman questions claims of 18 &#x27;ex-Marines&#x27; | DZMM TeleRadyo" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><iframe width="1023" height="575" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gwjThd1rj3M" title="FULL: Matibag may ipinagtataka sa &#x27;ex-Marines&#x27; na humarap sa NBI | ABS-CBN News" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>Eighteen individuals claiming to be former Marines who supposedly delivered bribes to government officials made their second appearance before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday. </p>

Eighteen individuals claiming to be former Marines who supposedly delivered bribes to government officials made their second appearance before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday.

‘Ex-Marines’ reappear before NBI

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Nation

‘Ex-Marines’ reappear before NBI

Zyann Ambrosio,

RG Cruz,

ABS-CBN News

Published March 17, 2026 10:37 AM PHT

|

Updated March 17, 2026 05:53 PM PHT

Read More:

ex Marines

NBI

corruption

flood control

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.