The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) revealed on Thursday that the 18 self-proclaimed “ex-marines” may have been bribed with ₱5 million each by former lawmaker Mike Defensor to testify regarding the flood control scandal.

In a press conference, NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag said this was based on an account from an individual with a direct relationship with one of the former soldiers, reported RH 15 Jecelle Ricafort.

Matibag believes the informant to be a credible source, as they live in one home with the former Marine.

“Muli naming binuksan ‘yung pag-iimbestiga rito kasi mayroong isang indibidwal na nagbigay ng statement noong April 28 tsaka May 6 na mayroon siyang alegasyon na ‘yung isa doon sa 18 marines, may relasyon sila… Napag-usapan nila, alam niya ‘yung nangyayari doon sa 18 marines na ‘to, at may allegation na may binayad,” he told the media.

“Pinangalanan si dating Congressman Mike Defensor na siya ‘yung nag-offer ng halaga na ₱5 million para maging testigo nga, lumabas, mag-press conference,” he added.

Matibag said he had issued a subpoena specifically for the former Marine in question on June 2.

The bureau director also said that the former marines were reportedly given an initial ₱700,000 and have not been paid in full.

Former Congressman Mike Defensor has been issued a subpoena by the agency so that he may present his account.