Jamaine Punzalan

Individuals who claimed to be ex-security aides of former lawmaker Zaldy Co face members of the media during an interview session at Valle Verde Country Club on March 5, 2026. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

18 EX AMRINES BAGMEN- PAYOFFS

Michael Delizo

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/177277368670520260305-18-ex-marines-defensor-baligod-MT15.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Individuals who claimed to be ex-security aides of former lawmaker Zaldy Co face members of the media during an interview session at Valle Verde Country Club on March 5, 2026. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News</span></span></span></div><p>MANILA – The 18 individuals who claimed to have worked as bagmen for fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co have gone into hiding due to security concerns, a group that supports them said Friday.</p><p>Rey Valeros Jr., secretary-general of the United People’s Initiative (UPI), a group composed of former military officials and personnel, said the men received security threats following their exposé on alleged illicit cash deliveries to some government officials.</p><p>“Dahil sa security threat, kailangan hindi sila maging visible lagi,” Valeros told reporters. “Yes, nagtatago sila dahil may threat.”</p><p>The 18, who also identified themselves as former members of the Philippine Marine Corps, failed to attend the Friday awarding ceremony by the UPI in San Juan City. They were supposed to be recognized for their alleged bravery in exposing anomalies.</p><p>Also recognized were Col. Audie Mongao, the senior Philippine Army officer who was relieved from his post after expressing his withdrawal of support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as well as former Marine Orly Guteza, who accused former House Speaker Martin Romualdez of involvement in the flood control anomaly.</p><p>All of them were no-shows at the event but received high praise from UPI members and supporters.</p><p>“Maraming nagsasabi na sila raw ay dishonorably discharged pero hindi po iyon ang isyu. Sinisiraan sila, minamaliit, pero hindi po iyon ang isyu. Ang isyu po ay ang pagnanakaw ng mga pulitiko,” said retired Air Force General Romeo Poquiz, convenor of UPI.</p><p>Valeros admitted the UPI provides security and financial support to the 18 “ex-soldiers” whenever they are outside.</p><p>Despite hiding for now, Valeros said they would be willing to face any investigation should one be pursued by the Senate, House of Representatives, or the Office of the Ombudsman.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/6/nbi-subpoenas-ex-marines-over-bribery-claims-1220">NBI subpoenas ‘ex-Marines’ over bribery claims</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>MANIFESTO OF SUPPORT</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>The Armed Forces of the Philippines has distanced itself from a “manifesto of support” by some retired uniformed personnel for the 18 men.</p><p>AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said none of the signatories are active-duty soldiers, and their sentiments do not reflect those of retired personnel or members of the Association of Generals and Flag Officers (AGFO).</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/5/remulla-says-18-ex-marines-out-to-incite-other-soldiers-to-rise-up-in-arms-1413">Remulla says 18 ‘ex-Marines’ out to incite other soldiers to ‘rise up in arms’<br/></a></div><p>Padilla said all accusations should be validated through the proper forum and processes.</p><p>“Lahat naman po ng allegations deserve proper investigation through proper institutions. Nandiyan naman po ang ating democratic processes and they’re working,” said Padilla. “It should not be through press conferences with unverified witnesses.”</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/5/trillanes-files-criminal-raps-vs-18-ex-marines-badoy-others-over-icc-payola-claims-1148">Trillanes files criminal raps vs 18 &#x27;ex-Marines,&#x27; Badoy, others over ICC payola claims</a></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/5/sara-duterte-slams-deafening-silence-on-ex-marines-bribery-claims-1145">Sara Duterte slams ‘silence’ on ex-Marines’ bribery claims</a></div><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><br style="caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);color:rgb(0, 0, 0)"/></div><div><iframe width="726" height="408" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3TOXUCojOMc" title="Bakit hindi iimbestigahan ng Blue Ribbon ang sinabi ng 18 &#x27;ex-Marines,&#x27; ayon kay Ping | ABS-CBN News" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><iframe width="726" height="408" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GfOH_Boxy6M" title="NSA Sec. Eduardo Año naghain ng reklamo vs 18 umano&#x27;y ex-marines, Baligod at Defensor | TV Patrol" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>The 18 individuals who claimed to have worked as bagmen for fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co have gone into hiding due to security concerns, a group that supports them said Friday.</p>

The 18 individuals who claimed to have worked as bagmen for fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co have gone into hiding due to security concerns, a group that supports them said Friday.

‘Ex-Marines’ go into hiding over security threats, but willing to face probe: group

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‘Ex-Marines’ go into hiding over security threats, but willing to face probe: group

Michael Delizo,

ABS-CBN News

Published Mar 06, 2026 01:11 PM PHT

Read More:

United People’s Initiative

UPI

18 ex-Marines

Zaldy Co

Marines

AFP

Rey Valeros

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