The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag disclosed on Thursday, June 4, 2026, that he received information alleging former Anakalusugan representative Mike Defensor bribed each of the 18 ex-marines P5 million to testify regarding the alleged receipt of cash by several personalities from former Ako Bicol Party-List representative Zaldy Co. This testimony is part of ongoing inquiries into flood control anomalies.
During a press conference, Matibag stated that the informant approached him on April 28 and May 6. The informant claimed to have a relationship with one of the Marines and was aware of the situation involving the 18 ex-marines. Matibag noted that the informant lived with one of the Marines, lending credibility to the testimony.
Matibag further elaborated that former congressman Mike Defensor was named as the individual who allegedly offered the P5 million to become a witness and hold a press conference. The NBI plans to issue subpoenas to Defensor and the identified ex-marine.
These allegations surfaced during the ongoing Senate Blue Ribbon Committee inquiry led by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, which the 18 ex-marines attended. Defensor was also present at the hearing. When Cayetano read a report about Matibag's statement, the ex-marines vehemently denied the claims.
Johnny Buduan, one of the ex-marines, stated that if they had received such a large sum, their lives would have improved significantly. He challenged the accuser to present evidence. Lawyer Levito Baligod, representing the ex-marines, argued that if the claims were true, they would not have needed to seek financial help for hospitalizations and funerals of family members. He claimed to have receipts to support his statements and criticized Matibag for damaging the NBI's credibility.
Defensor, in an interview, slammed the NBI and urged Matibag to use the agency's resources to investigate corruption impartially. He compared the allegations to previous false claims made against him and Representative Rodante Marcoleta, asserting that the ex-marines were being discredited as paid witnesses.
Senator Cayetano called on Matibag to appear before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and present evidence supporting his claim. Matibag responded that he would attend if Cayetano issued a subpoena.
