The National Bureau of Investigation has pushed back against a defense counsel’s attempt to retrieve written statements already signed by six of 18 alleged former Marines who appeared before the bureau this week, with NBI Director Melvin Matibag saying the entire proceedings were on record regardless.
Matibag, in a Viber message to Inquirer.net, said the dispute arose after attorney Levito Baligod — counsel for the 18 individuals — asked for copies of the statements for his review just as the signing process was wrapping up following more than eight hours of one-on-one questioning last Tuesday.
“Atty. Baligod wants to review the statements, but they are all recorded. And the DOJ has Department Circular No. 48 that we should not release copies of the statements until the investigation is over,” Matibag said.
Baligod reportedly went further, requesting that the six already-signed statements be handed back and destroyed. Matibag declined, noting the witnesses had been given an opportunity to read their statements before affixing their signatures, and that participation was voluntary throughout.
The Inquirer said it reached out to Baligod for comment but had not received a response as of filing.
Baligod offered a different characterization of the session’s outcome when he spoke briefly to reporters as the group left the NBI building around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. He indicated the process remained unfinished, saying investigators still had outstanding questions for some of the witnesses.
“Actually, the process is not over yet. Some have signed but there are still supplementary questions, so it seems the investigators are not satisfied yet. That’s why we will come back,” Baligod said.
He added the group would return once a new subpoena is issued by the bureau.
The NBI is looking into a joint affidavit filed by the 18 individuals, who allege they acted as couriers of kickback money for former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, linked to purportedly anomalous flood control projects amounting to P805 billion.
The remaining 12 individuals did not sign their written statements during Tuesday’s session.
