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NBI: Retired General Implicated in Bribery Scheme Using 'Former Marines' to Deliver Cash to Public Officials
NBI Confirms Retired General's Involvement in Bribery Incident
The Philippine National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has identified a retired general as the individual who recruited security personnel for former Congressman Zaldy Co. This retired general is believed to be a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1975. NBI Director Melvin Matibag stated that the general recruited approximately 103 individuals, who were slated for two years of employment, but their contracts were terminated following former Congressman Zaldy Co's resignation. Among them, 18 individuals, claiming to be 'former marines,' testified that they delivered suitcases full of cash to high-ranking public officials. Director Matibag added that the NBI is also investigating the possibility that their testimonies were made out of necessity, or under duress or bribery.
'Former Marines' Identity and Adviser Año's Rebuttal
The NBI clarified that not all 18 individuals were actual Marines; among them, four were genuine drivers and security personnel, and not all were Marines. Therefore, they should be referred to as '14 Marines and others,' the NBI stated. Furthermore, not all of them served as close-in security for former Congressman Zaldy Co, and the identities of eight of these individuals, along with whom they guarded, have been precisely confirmed. Meanwhile, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, one of the individuals accused of receiving bribes, has filed complaints against the 'former marines' and their lawyers, alleging cyber libel and perjury. Adviser Año dismissed the allegations against him as malicious fabrications and attempts to tarnish his reputation and undermine the credibility of the National Security Council (NSC). He emphasized that he has no involvement in any flood control projects.
Additional Individuals Expected to Appear Before NBI
Over 20 individuals, including former Congressman Mike Defensor and his wife, and Bishop Efrem Tendero, are expected to appear before the NBI on March 12 and 13 in connection with the bribery scandal. Additionally, several figures, including former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Senator Leila de Lima, and Father Flavio Villanueva, have already filed perjury complaints against the said group.
*Source: YouTube: ABS-CBN News (2026-03-12)*
