Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) Commander Maj. Gen. Vicente Blanco has reminded his troops that a soldier who has been dishonorably discharged cannot be considered a true Marine.

The statement comes amid attempts by what he described as an "opportunistic group" to exploit their ranks in connection with corruption issues involving the government.

According to a report by RH Edniel Parrosa on DZRH's Damdaming Bayan on Thursday, in an information received by Gen. Blanco, only three of the 18 individuals presented as ex-Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co’s alleged bagmen were former Marines, and all three had already been separated from service.

The Philippine Navy earlier said that four of the 18 individuals presented by a private lawyer as alleged former “bagmen” were never members of the Marine.

The AFP also clarified that "no military security detail" was ever assigned to former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co. The alleged work of these individuals for Co likely occurred after their separation from the service.

The AFP expressed readiness to assist in any legal investigation regarding the allegations.

However, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Padilla stressed that the public’s attention should remain focused on more pressing concerns, particularly the country’s security in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), which remains the military’s priority.