The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) clarified that the 18 former members of the Philippine Marine Corps, who claimed to have served as bagmen for resigned Congressman Zaldy Co, are no longer affiliated with the military.
The individuals alleged that they delivered luggage filled with cash to Co and other officials, supposedly from kickbacks linked to anomalous flood control projects.
They also claimed to have taken part in delivering money to several investigators of the International Criminal Court.
According to the AFP, most of the former Marines had already retired, while some had been dismissed from the service.
“Separated na nga sila from the service and they are already acting in their private capacity, so yung statements man nila or yung actions nila does not represent yung Armed Forces of the Philippines,” said AFP Spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla during a press conference.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy’s official records revealed that four of those claiming to be ex-Marines were never members of the Philippine Marine Corps.
The AFP insisted that the affidavits presented during the group’s press conference have yet to be verified and notarized.
It reiterated its call for the public to remain vigilant against unverified information intended to spread disinformation.
The agency has referred the matter to proper legal authorities to determine whether charges should be filed, particularly against those proven to have never been part of the AFP.
Col. Padilla assured the public that the Armed Forces remain professional and united in fulfilling their mandate, particularly in defending the West Philippine Sea.
“So ang focus ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas as we transition from internal security operations to territorial defense, so nandiyan ’yan, pati ’yung pagpalit ng organization natin to address modern challenges that we are facing,” the official added. (Report from Harley Balbuena)
