NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag revealed on Thursday that the bureau received information claiming former AnaKalusugan Representative Mike Defensor bribed former members of the Marine Corps and the Army.
According to the informant, the money was given in exchange for making statements accusing certain public figures of receiving cash from former Ako Bicol Party‑List representative Zaldy Co. Matibag said the tipster came forward with detailed accounts, identifying Defensor as the one behind the offer.
Matibag cited statements given by the informant on April 28 and May 6, which claimed the source had a direct relationship with one of the former Marines involved.
The informant stated they were aware of the circumstances surrounding the group of 18 former Marines and confirmed that payments had allegedly been arranged. The individual provided specific details about the interactions and claimed to have personal knowledge of the agreement made to secure testimonies against the personalities linked to Co.
The NBI chief further disclosed that Defensor was explicitly named as the person who offered P5 million to each of the individuals to serve as witnesses and participate in a press conference to air their accusations. Matibag relayed the informant’s account, saying: “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.” This amount was presented as the incentive for them to publicly make claims regarding the alleged transactions involving Co.
Matibag emphasized that these allegations are part of the information gathered from the informant and are now being verified by the bureau. The NBI is currently looking into the veracity of the claims, including whether the money was actually handed over and if the testimonies were indeed fabricated in exchange for compensation. The investigation aims to establish the facts and determine if there is sufficient basis to pursue legal action against those involved in orchestrating the alleged bribery scheme.
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