NBI's Matibag: Informant said Mike Defensor bribed 18 'ex-Marines'

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag on Thursday said an informant told the bureau that former AnaKalusugan Representative Mike Defensor bribed alleged former Marines and soldiers to make claims that several personalities received cash from former Ako Bicol Party-List Representative Zaldy Co.

Citing the informant, Matibag said Defensor allegedly offered P5 million.

"Mayroong isang individual na nagbigay ng statement noong April 28 at saka May 6 na mayroon siyang alegasyon, na 'yung isa doon sa isang Marines, may relasyon sila, may relationship sila, at napag-usapan nila. Alam niya 'yung nangyayari dito sa 18 Marines na ito at may allegation na may binayad," he said.

(One individual gave a statement on April 28 and May 6, claiming to have a relationship with one of the Marines. They had discussions. They knew what was happening with these 18 Marines, and there is an allegation that payment was made.)

"Pinangalanan si dating Congressman Mike Defensor na siya 'yung nag-offer ng halaga, ng P5 million para maging testigo nga, mag-press conference,” he added.

(Former Congressman Mike Defensor was named as the one who allegedly offered the amount of P5 million to serve as a witness and hold a press conference.)

He said the NBI took the informant's statement, which was recorded and signed.

The informant, Matibag said, is the partner of a child of one of the 18 supposed former Marines, who had claimed to have delivered suitcases of money to several personalities, including former Speaker Martin Romualdez, who are allegedly involved in the flood control scandal.

An investigation by the NBI Cybercrime Division also revealed that an attempt was made to recruit other former security personnel of Co, though investigators are still verifying if financial incentives were offered, as reported by John Consulta in “24 Oras.”

Matibag said he has again directed the issuance of a subpoena for Defensor and the member of the 18 supposed ex-Marines identified by the informant.

"Magkakasama sila sa bahay kay medyo may credibility 'yung testimonya nito," he said.

(They were living together in the same house, so this testimony has some credibility.)

This comes as the 18 alleged ex-Marines testify before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing being conducted by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano's bloc.

Cayetano read Matibag's announcement during the hearing. He invited the NBI director to the Senate.

Meanwhile, Defensor denied the allegations against him.

“Ganyang ganyan 'yung ginawa nila noon kay Guteza. Sinabi nila, pinapirma nila, na kami daw ni Marcoleta, nag-offer ng pera para magsalita ng ganun,” he said.

(That is exactly what they did back then to Orly Guteza. They said, they made him sign, claiming that Marcoleta and I allegedly offered money to make him speak that way.)

On Wednesday, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian was elected as Senate President Pro Tempore, and later declared as acting Senate President, with the support of 11 Senate allies and Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero.

The Senate also announced new chairpersons for several committees following Gatchalian's election, with the Blue Ribbon Committee going to Senator Erwin Tulfo. —with a report from Vince Angelo Ferreras/VDV/RF, GMA News