MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said it issued a subpoena to Bishop Efraim Tendero, who witnessed the affidavit of 18 alleged former Marines.

“‘Yung sworn affidavit ngayon lang ako nakatingin na may witness. So si Pastor Efraim is also a person of interest. We also issued a subpoena sa kanya,” NBI Director Melvin Matibag told reporters.
(It’s my first time seeing a witness for an affidavit. So Pastor Ephraim is also a person of interest. We also issued a subpoena to him.)

The NBI previously subpoenaed the Marines, lawyer Levito Baligod, and former congressman Mike Defensor after they accused several individuals of allegedly receiving cash from former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co.

Matibag said Charlie Pascual, the lawyer who notarized the Marines’ affidavit, appeared before the NBI on Tuesday and provided pictures and a video of the notarization. Pascual is also connected to Baligod’s law firm.

The Philippine Navy has said that four of the 18 alleged Marines were never members of the Navy or the Marine Corps. Some of the individuals implicated have also filed complaints against the Marines and others, including National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, House Deputy Minority Leader Leila de Lima, Fr. Flavie Villanueva, and Corrections Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr.

Tendero, former secretary general of The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), said in a February 27 Facebook post that he witnessed the signing of the affidavit but does not know the group personally.
“I confirm that I witnessed the 18 soldiers appear before the notary public, and the signing process took place,” he said.
He clarified that “as a witness, I don’t attest to the accuracy or truth of the statements made.”