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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider National Security Adviser Año files criminal charge vs Defensor, Baligod, 18 'ex-marines'

National Security Adviser Año files criminal charge vs Defensor, Baligod, 18 'ex-marines'

Published Mar 4, 2026 07:33 pm
National Security Adviser Eduardo Año on Wednesday, March 4, filed a criminal complaint before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against former congressman Mike Defensor, lawyer Levito Baligod, and the 18 “former marines.”
The respondents were charged by Año with unlawful means of publication and unlawful utterances under the Revised Penal Code (RPC) in relation to Republic Act (RA) 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
The filing of the criminal complaint arose from the allegations of the 18 alleged former marines that they delivered billions of pesos in “kickback” money in the flood control projects to several government officials, including Año.
“Isinama nila ako doon sa signed affidavit (they included me in their affidavit) and that is really malicious and fabrication and bereft of truth,” Año said.
“So, I have to defend my honor because I will not sell my name to anyone for any amount,” he also said.
The allegations against several government officials by the former alleged marines were disclosed by Baligod during a press conference.
Later, the joint affidavit was submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman which has deputized the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct a probe.
Año said he included Defensor in his complaint since the former congressman admitted having assisted the 18 alleged former marines.
He declared that the complaint “is just the first” charge. “May mga succeeding cases pa ako na ipa-file (There will be succeeding cases that will be filed),” he added.
He disclosed that he intends to file cyber libel and perjury charges against the respondents.
The national security adviser denied the allegations made by the 18 alleged former marines that he attended a meeting with former House of Representatives speaker Martin Romualdez where he allegedly received money.
“I was really surprised. And of course, you can say I am really mad with their malicious imputations,” he declared.
Año pointed out that since he joined the government from his time with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Department of the Interior and Local Government up to his present position as national security adviser, his policy was “no take, no give.”
“I have to protect my name, I have to defend my honor because I will not sell my name to anyone for any amount, that was really a malicious imputation,” Año stressed.
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