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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 16 of 18 'ex-Marines,' lawyer Baligod appear before NBI

16 of 18 'ex-Marines,' lawyer Baligod appear before NBI

Published Mar 12, 2026 05:12 pm
Sixteen of the 18 “former Marines” and their lawyer Levito Baligod appeared on Thursday, March 12, before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) which has been asked by the Office of the Ombudsman to check on their identities and background.
They had earlier claimed that they delivered billions of pesos to various government officials as “kickbacks” in the flood control projects.
Their joint affidavit has been submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman.
The 18 “ex-Marines” have been identified as Belnard E. Tube, Rosebert M. Waupan, Benny S. Bulonte, Johnny A. Buduan, Rodante P. Orbillo, Reyneboy O. Julian, Christopher T. Esquivel, George O. Villalon Jr., Romeo Rommel O. Bobares, Gil N. Navidad Jr., Anselmo Taberdo, Joely G. Cadioa, Rommel C. Galapon, Ceceilio S. Larroder Jr., Bernard A. Gumban, Crusanie L. Dado, Fidel M. Corpus, and Walter M. Manalansan.
It was not known as of posting time who among them did not personally appear before the NBI.
In an interview, Baligod said that he and his clients responded to the subpoenas issued by the NBI and “we are ready to cooperate and provide whatever information.”
He assured that those who issued a joint affidavit did not fabricate the contents of their sworn statement.
“They don’t have anything to profit from accusing people in high position ng kasinungalingan (of lies),” Baligod pointed out.
He noted that the subpoena indicated that the NBI was conducting a background check of the former soldiers.
He said their serial numbers as Marines and their identification numbers while under the employ of then congressman Zaldy Co will be presented to the NBI.
When asked why each of the former military men executed separate sworn affidavits, Baligod responded: “Kung may common knowledge pwede pagsamahin, kaya nga may tinatawag tayong joint affidavit (if there is common knowledge it can be joined, that is why we have what we call as joint affidavit).”
Aside from asking the NBI to conduct a background check, the Office of the Ombudsman had also asked the 18 “former Marines” to submit individual affidavits.
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