📷: NBI Director Melvin Matibag
Eighteen alleged former Marines may have fallen victim to a retired Philippine Army general who recruited them as part of the 103 security personnel for companies owned by former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, according to National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag.
Information reportedly reached the NBI that Co left ₱200 million with the retired general, who belongs to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1975, as salary funds for the 103 security staff before Co departed the country in July 2025.
“Maaaring mga biktima itong mga taong ito dahil sinasabi may kontrata ito kay Zaldy Co na mahabang period, parang dalawang taon na receiving a good hefty allowance and salary,” Matibag said in an interview on Facts First with Christian Esguerra podcast.
“Ngayon noong umalis si Zaldy Co ang istoryang nakarating sa amin, nag-iwan ng ₱200-M to take good care of that 103 security. Matuloy ang suweldo nila at pag-aalaga sa kanya at lumalabas na hindi nangyari iyon,” he added.
Instead, Matibag said, the ex-Marines and other security staff were only given ₱50,000 each, leaving them struggling after five months.
“Binigyan lang ng tig-₱50K itong mga Marines na ito, itong mga security na ito. Kaya ang sabi itong mga ito after five months, naghihirap na, naghahanap na ng sisilungan, tapos ito na, bigla nang lumabas,” he explained.
The NBI is now investigating this angle and will summon the retired general, who reportedly continues to work in one of Co’s companies.
Matibag also confirmed that Co’s former PR man has already given a statement to the NBI, admitting that 8 of the 18 ex-Marines had previously been assigned to him as personal security. He declined to name the PR man, citing security concerns. (ZIA LUNA)
