Bishop Efraim Tendero, who had signed as a witness during the notarization of the joint affidavit submitted by 18 individuals claiming to be former Marines, did not show up at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) this morning, March 13, despite being subpoenaed, as reported by RH Jecelle Ricafort.

Tendero is among 25 people subpoenaed by the bureau in connection with the case.

According to NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag, only Tendero’s lawyer submitted his affidavit on his behalf. The bureau plans to issue another subpoena, as Tendero is required to personally answer questions related to the case.

Tendero had previously admitted to being the signing witness on the joint affidavit filed by individuals claiming to be former security aides of resigned Congressman Zaldy Co.

However, he clarified that he was not vouching for the accuracy or truthfulness of the statements in the sworn document and only confirmed the legitimacy of the signing process.