The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has distanced itself from individuals who recently surfaced claiming to be former aides and bagmen of former lawmaker Zaldy Co.

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla clarified that the individuals identifying themselves as ex-Marines were no longer in active service when they allegedly served as security personnel for Co during his tenure as a congressman.

According to Padilla, the men had already been separated from military service and were acting in their private capacity at the time of their alleged involvement.

“So, what is clear is that individuals that are already retired from the service, separated na sila from the service, and they're already acting on their private capacity. So, yung statements na nila or yung actions nila, no, does not represent the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Padilla said.

The AFP spokesperson stressed that any statements or actions made by the former personnel do not reflect the position of the military institution.

Despite this, the AFP expressed readiness to assist in any investigation into the allegations involving the former soldiers. Padilla said the military remains committed to transparency and accountability and is prepared to cooperate with authorities should a formal probe be conducted.

Earlier, in an interview on DZRH’s Dos Por Dos, former congressman Mike Defensor discussed the involvement of 18 former Marines who came forward to corroborate statements made by Master Sgt. Orly Regala Guteza regarding alleged “floodgate” irregularities in flood control projects.

According to Defensor, the ex-Marines coordinated their joint affidavit with the aid of lawyer Levito Baligod, with the intention of submitting the said document to the Ombudsman and testifying in the ongoing case of the controversial flood control scam.