Jauhn Etienne Villaruel

Article (news)

Adrian Ayalin

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/1772602571402Screen Shot 2026-03-04 at 1.35.58 PM.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">📷༘ Philippine Marine Corps/Facebook</span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director Melvin Matibag on Wednesday said they have begun their investigation into the claims of 18 “ex-marines” who allegedly delivered illicit cash to government officials.</p><p>Matibag said they will look into the credibility of the 18 individuals, among other issues.</p><p>“We look at the personality, we look at the veracity of the statement, and if the evidence will lead towards their allegations, sa mga binanggit na pangalan, we will call upon them,” Matibag said.</p><p>Matibag said the NBI was <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/26/ombudsman-to-carefully-assess-18-ex-soldiers-affidavit-credibility-of-evidence-2102">deputized by the Office of the Ombudsman</a>, where the 18 filed their joint affidavits.</p><p>Matibag noted concerns on the <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/25/ph-navy-4-of-18-presented-as-bagmen-were-never-marines-0910">credibility</a> of the 18 individuals as to their past affiliations with the military.</p><p>“Sabi nga kung nagsinungaling ka sa isang bagay, medyo iyong sinasabi mo pinagdududahan na natin, natural course iyon eh, there is a doctrine sa law natin, principle sa law na kapag nagsinungaling ka sa isang bagay, iyong kabuuan ng sinasabi mo ay nagiging kaduda-duda,” Matibag said.</p><p>Matibag also said they are probing into other personalities involved, aside from the 18 individuals.</p><p>“We are looking on the incident itself, yung press conference nung day na inannounce iyong sa 18 marines, kung sino talaga iyong mga nasa likod nito, because we look in every angle ano, this is not political but we look at the angle, personalities involved, personalities mentioned,” Matibag said.</p><p>The NBI assured fairness in its investigation so as not to discourage future whistleblowers.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEOS</strong></div><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3TOXUCojOMc?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tflxKITVR8A?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>The NBI said they will look into the credibility of the 18 individuals, among other issues surrounding their allegations. </p>

The NBI said they will look into the credibility of the 18 individuals, among other issues surrounding their allegations.

NBI looking into credibility of 18 'ex-marines,' other personalities involved in 'bagmen' claims

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

Nation

NBI looking into credibility of 18 'ex-marines,' other personalities involved in 'bagmen' claims

Adrian Ayalin,

ABS-CBN News

Published March 04, 2026 01:40 PM PHT

|

Updated March 04, 2026 01:41 PM PHT

Read More:

nbi

marines

corruption

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.