MANILA — Former Anakalusugan party-list representative Mike Defensor acknowledged assisting 18 former Marines who alleged delivering suitcases of cash to various politicians, but denied any direct role in their affidavit.

Defensor said the ex-Marines were in direct contact only with their counsel, Atty. Levito Baligod. “When they were being sought out, I was not able to see them for security reasons. It is Atty Levi who was in touch with them. I don’t have contact with them prior to the presscon. I only saw them in person after that,” he told Super Radyo dzBB.

“I am involved and I am not hiding it. I am helping these people. And now that they came out, others are also helping them. But prior to that [press conference], I was not involved. I was not in touch with them and I am not connected to them, only Atty Levi Baligod. I am helping them now and will help them in the future,” Defensor added.

Asked about former senator Antonio Trillanes IV’s accusation that he orchestrated the Marines’ allegations, and the claim that the vehicle used during the press conference was registered under his wife, Defensor did not give a categorical answer, questioning instead why he is being surveilled.

Defensor also maintained that the former Marines were not paid to make the allegations. “The things I did to help them, like transportation to the venue of their press conference, safekeeping them together…yes I am helping them and others are also extending their help. I am just one of the many people helping them,” he said.

Baligod previously urged Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla to investigate the Marines’ claims. The Ombudsman’s office said it will review the affidavit’s merits and the credibility of the former military personnel.