The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday clarified that the so-called 18 “Marines” who appeared in a proceeding at the Senate Thursday were no longer part of the service at the time their alleged acts related to the flood control mess took place.
“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,” AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a message to reporters late Friday afternoon.
He also clarified that not all these individuals were former members of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) and that continued use of the term “Marines” unintentionally suggests institutional involvement by the AFP or the PMC with the alleged anomalies.
“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,” Trinidad said.
These alleged witnesses landed in the limelight again after they claimed to be security aides of former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and reportedly handed bags and luggage filled with money to several politicians and prominent personalities.
It was not their first time in the spotlight as last February, the Philippine Navy (PN) said four out of the 18 alleged former Marines were never part of the service while the majority had been dishonorably discharged.
In a message to the Philippine News Agency at the time, PN spokesperson Capt. Marissa Martinez said four of these individuals have never been members of the Navy and the PMC.
“Based on official records, (four) were never members of the PN or the PMC (a type unit under the Navy). Majority of the individuals were discharged dishonorably from the service, while others were able to retire in good standing,” she said.
Asked how many of these former PMC members were dishonorably discharged, Martinez declined exactly how many of them were dishonorably discharged from service out of respect for their families.
“We cannot give a number because of the families, especially if they were dishonorably discharged,” she added.
Likewise, Martinez reminded the public to be discerning and to verify the accuracy and credibility of information, including the source and platform used, to help prevent and counter misinformation, disinformation and malinformation which have become increasingly prevalent. (PNA)