NBI Director Melvin Matibag has revealed that the National Bureau of Investigation received information alleging that former Congressman Mike Defensor bribed each of the so-called “18 ex-Marines” with P5 million. The reported purpose of the alleged payments was to secure their testimony connected to suspected flood control anomalies, according to Matibag.
Matibag said the investigation began after the NBI obtained information suggesting that testimony regarding the flood control issues may have been influenced through bribery. He emphasized that the NBI’s claims are rooted in information the agency received, and that the allegation points to the possibility that certain individuals involved in the testimony process were paid to provide particular statements rather than purely factual accounts.
The director’s disclosure adds a new layer to the broader probe into alleged irregularities tied to flood control measures. The flood control anomalies being investigated have drawn public attention, and the NBI’s report of potential bribery raises concerns about the integrity of testimony and the fairness of any resulting proceedings. If proven, the alleged bribery scheme would suggest that the matter was not only about possible government lapses or misconduct in flood control projects, but also about possible interference with investigative and legal processes.
Matibag further indicated that the testimony allegedly arranged through the alleged payments was purportedly provided by individuals described as former Marines. The specific framing—“18 ex-Marines” receiving equal amounts—describes an organized and systematic approach, at least as characterized by the NBI’s received information. Such details, if substantiated by evidence, could point to coordinated actions rather than isolated attempts by individuals to influence a witness.
The disclosure is particularly significant because the testimony referenced is meant to address anomalies related to flood control. In cases like this, witness accounts can strongly affect how allegations are evaluated, how facts are established, and how accountability is determined. By alleging that testimony could have been bought, Matibag is essentially raising questions not only about alleged underlying anomalies, but also about whether subsequent statements were obtained through improper means.
The NBI director’s remarks suggest that the agency is considering the bribery angle as part of its efforts to determine the full circumstances surrounding the flood control anomalies. This includes identifying who may have been involved in any alleged payment scheme, how it may have been coordinated, and what role it played in shaping testimony.
While the director’s statement centers on information received by the NBI, it does not, in the information provided, lay out the evidence yet. Instead, it underscores that the investigation is responsive to new leads—particularly those that could affect the reliability of witness testimony. Authorities typically treat such allegations seriously, especially when they involve public officials and large amounts of money.
The mention of former Congressman Mike Defensor places a former lawmaker in the scope of the allegations. If the investigation confirms connections between Defensor and any alleged payments to the ex-Marines, it could have far-reaching implications, potentially affecting both legal outcomes and public trust. It could also broaden the probe to include not only the flood control anomalies themselves, but also possible corruption practices related to the judicial or investigative process.
The NBI’s revelation also reflects how investigations in complex public issues can evolve over time. Initial leads about project irregularities can later expand into allegations of bribery, witness manipulation, or other forms of obstruction. When that happens, investigators often try to trace financial flows, identify intermediaries, verify the credibility of testimony, and determine whether any incentives were offered in exchange for specific statements.
Matibag’s statement effectively signals that the NBI is looking beyond the surface of the flood control anomalies and examining potential misconduct tied to testimony. The allegation that each of the 18 ex-Marines received P5 million suggests a substantial bribery scheme, raising the stakes for the investigation and increasing the need for corroborating evidence.
At the moment, the key development is the NBI director’s claim that the agency received information about alleged bribery linked to testimony about flood control anomalies. The next steps would likely involve verifying the details of the allegation, checking how the information was obtained, and pursuing evidence that can either support or refute the claim.
The story has been reported in the context of the NBI’s ongoing efforts to investigate the flood control anomalies and the credibility of testimony related to the case. According to Source: Inquirer.
Inquirer: BREAKING: NBI Director Melvin Matibag has revealed that the NBI received information that former Congressman Mike Defensor allegedly bribed each of the “18 ex-Marines” P5 million to provide testimony regarding the flood control anomalies. Matibag said the testimony came from an. #breaking
— @inquirerdotnet May 1, 2026
SHOP AMAZON BEST SELLERS, CLICK TO BUY FROM AMAZON.
SHOP AMAZON BEST SELLERS, CLICK TO BUY FROM AMAZON.
