The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday clarified that the 18 individuals described in reports as “Marines” who appeared in a Senate proceeding were no longer active members of the military at the time of the alleged incidents linked to the flood control controversy.
AFP Public Affairs Office Chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the individuals were already out of service when the reported acts took place and were not representing the military in any capacity.
“While some reports have collectively described them as ‘Marines’ or ‘Ex-Marines,’ it is important to note that they were no longer in active military service at the time of the acts and allegations being discussed. These were undertaken in their private capacities and not on behalf of the AFP,” Trinidad said.
He added that not all of those involved were former members of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC), stressing that the continued use of the term “Marines” may create the impression of institutional involvement.
“For accuracy, we respectfully encourage the use of the individuals’ names, or simply refer to them as witnesses, affiants, or former staff/bodyguards of the concerned personalities, as appropriate,” he said.
The clarification comes after the individuals surfaced in a Senate proceeding where they claimed to have served as security aides of former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and alleged involvement in the delivery of bags and luggage containing cash to several politicians and other personalities.
The group had earlier drawn public attention in February when the Philippine Navy (PN) disclosed that several of the individuals were either never part of the service or had already been discharged.
PN spokesperson Capt. Marissa Martinez previously said that four of the 18 had no record of service in the Navy or the Philippine Marine Corps, while others had been separated from the military under varying circumstances.
She noted that a number had been dishonorably discharged, while others had completed service and retired in good standing, but declined to provide exact figures.
Martinez also urged the public to verify information and avoid misleading labels, warning that inaccurate identification of individuals could fuel misinformation and distort public understanding of ongoing issues.
Photo courtesy of Inquirer.net
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