Former congressman Michael Defensor on Friday denied allegations that he offered P5 million each to alleged 18 former Marines to testify regarding alleged anomalies in flood control projects.

"Mukhang imahinasyon na naman ‘yung nangyari," Defensor said in an interview on DZRH's Dos Por Dos.

"Walang batayan, kwento lang talaga," he added.

The allegations surfaced after National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag disclosed on Thursday that a relative of one of the 18 alleged former Marines had approached the agency and provided information claiming that members of the group had been bribed.

Defensor described the information obtained by the NBI as "double hearsay," saying he personally reviewed the affidavit connected to the allegations.

"Nabasa ko mismo ‘yung affidavit na parang ang nangyari kinuwento supposedly ng isang son-in-law double hearsay. Ikinuwento at ‘yun nga raw may P5 million daw na ibinigay at hindi pa raw buo na binibigay," he said.

He added that the allegations were merely a "made-up story" with no factual basis.

"Walang sundalo na nagkwento at kwento lang na narinig niya daw doon sa kanyang father in law na kasama sa 18 Marines. Kaya nakakatawa itong kwentuhan na ito kasi… talagang gawa-gawang kwento, walang batayan para mabigyan ng pagkakataon na pakinggan o bigyan ng batayan sa isang kaso," he noted.

The NBI issued a subpoena against Defensor on Tuesday in connection with the allegations.

He questioned why the bureau would entertain what he described as an unverified account.

"Ang nakakagulat ay kung bakit ito’y pinagbigyan ni Atty. Matibag ng NBI na parabang kwento lang na narinig niya, na ikinuwento sa kanya," Defensor said. "Paano ito magiging isang kaso o pwede mong sabihin na pwede mong ilabas na para bang isang salaysay na ibabahagi mo sa taumbayan na walang kakwenta-kwenta at walang batayan?"

Asked whether he would comply with the subpoena, Defensor said he would first consult with his lawyer.

He also called on the NBI to release the affidavit to the public.

Defensor has been directed to appear before the NBI's Office of the Special Action Division on June 10 as part of the bureau's investigation.

The former lawmaker likewise denied allegations that he was the "handler" of the alleged former Marines.

"Lahat ng sinasabi nila [ex-Marines] wala akong kinalaman doon. Sila ‘yung mga nagsalita doon," he said.

Despite denying any involvement, Defensor vowed to continue supporting the individuals, citing concerns over what happened to former Marine Sergeant Orly Guteza, who emerged as a whistleblower during a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing in September last year.

Defensor said Guteza was later detained and is now reportedly missing following his testimony.

"Pero patuloy kong sasabihin tutulungan ko ang mga taong ito. Kung ano ang ilalabas nila alalayan ko sila. Kasi nga yung nangyari kay Sergeant Orly Guteza na matapos magsalita nawala na lang. Hindi na natin nakita at noong una akala ko protection ngayon pala ang lumalabas nagkaroon ng detention."

Defensor added that after Thursday's hearing, several individuals expressed support for the alleged former Marines and offered assistance, including security arrangements following their testimonies.