During the continuation of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on Thursday, June 4, a witness identifying himself as former Marine Benny Bulontate claimed that he and his companions were approached by several individuals, including Torre, who allegedly tried to persuade them not to speak further on the issue.

“Maraming nangliligaw sa amin, nililigawan po kami na hindi na kami magsalita para manahimik na lang po,” Bulontate said in Filipino during the hearing.

When asked who allegedly made the attempts, Bulontate identified Torre, saying: “Si dating General Nick Torre.”

Bulontate further alleged that they were asked to sign affidavits that would invalidate earlier statements attributed to missing witness Orly Guteza, who has been linked to the flood control controversy.

“Kinausap kami na magpirma ng affidavit na walang bisa namin yung sinasabi ni Orly Guteza...Ang apat na kasama ko napilitan na sila pumirma dahil naipit na po baka kami ay mapahamak po ang sarili namin,” he said.

He also claimed they were given ₱50,000 through a staff member, and that their mobile phones were replaced.

Another former Marine presented an iPhone 16E 128GB during the hearing as part of his testimony.

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee continued its investigation into the alleged flood control irregularities involving former congressman Zaldy Co and missing witness Orly Guteza, whose statements have been central to the ongoing inquiry.

The hearing proceeded under Sen. Pia Cayetano despite earlier remarks from Sen. Win Gatchalian that no session would be held on June 4, with the next hearing scheduled for June 8.