MANILA — The Office of the Ombudsman defended its decision to involve the National Bureau of Investigation in verifying the identities of 18 men who claimed to be former Marines and alleged delivering cash at the instruction of then Zaldy Co.

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the move was in response to accusations from lawyer Ferdinand Topacio that the Ombudsman was being influenced by the Executive branch rather than acting independently in evaluating the joint affidavit submitted by the 18 men.

“The Office of the Ombudsman has done two things in relation to this case. First, we have deputized the NBI to verify the identities and background of the affiants especially since there have been conflicting reports on who they are and where they used to serve,” Clavano said.

The Philippine Navy previously reported that four of the 18 were never members of the Navy or Marine Corps, while several others had been discharged dishonorably.

“Second, the Office has sent a letter request to Atty. [Levito] Baligod to produce 18 separate affidavits lining out the narration of facts from the perspective of each person so as to produce a more accurate and credible narration of facts. As the Ombudsman has mentioned, a joint narration of facts loses credibility,” Clavano added.

He clarified that the Ombudsman has not yet determined the credibility of the allegations.

“It is only upon evaluation that it was found that there were 18 people that signed one affidavit. The contents may be true but the credibility will be strengthened when each one narrates the fact from their own unique perspective,” he said.

The 18 men alleged that certain public officials received money from Co to build a case against former President Rodrigo Duterte before the International Criminal Court.

Many of the officials mentioned, including House Deputy Minority Leader Leila de Lima and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, have denied the allegations.