The men who claimed to be former marines and security aides and bagmen for resigned Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co returned to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) office on Tuesday, accompanied by their lawyer, Atty. Levito Baligod.

In a report by RH 15’s Jecelle Ricafort, NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag previously urged them to submit individual affidavits and suggested that it would be best if the former soldiers hired a different lawyer, as Baligod is also currently under investigation.

The director had earlier said that the first appearance of the ex-Marines last week ended in a deadlock because they allegedly refused to be questioned about their affidavits.

Meanwhile, Baligod denied the claim, saying it was not true that only a background check or identity verification took place during their first appearance on March 12. The lawyer explained that, although he questioned the limits of the NBI’s subpoena, he agreed that the former soldiers could be interviewed individually.

However, Baligod said it was the Ombudsman, not Matibag, who required them to submit individual affidavits.

"Maliwanag kasi sa subpoena, 'yun yung delegated authority ng Ombudsman sa NBI. Kumbaga, ang Ombudsman inutusan ang NBI na mag-conduct ng identity verification, so 'yun lang ang authority ng NBI," Baligod said.

The NBI was deputized by the Ombudsman to investigate the claims, focusing on the identity and backgrounds of the 18 individuals and the circumstances of their allegations.

Subpoenas were issued by the NBI not only to the 18 alleged ex‑Marines but also to a bishop who witnessed their affidavit signing.

The Philippine Navy earlier confirmed that some of the men were not actually Marines or had been dishonorably discharged, raising questions about their credibility.