Baligod Pushes Back Against Matibag’s Statements

Attorney Levito D. Baligod pushed back against several statements he said were made by NBI Director Melvin Matibag regarding the controversy involving the group commonly referred to in public discussions as the 18 ex-Marines.

Speaking to media, Baligod said they had already clarified multiple points earlier and claimed that some of the director’s public statements were inaccurate.

According to Baligod, one of the first issues involved the number of former military personnel linked to the affidavit.

He said Director Matibag allegedly stated that only 14 were Marines, but Baligod countered that the actual composition was 16 Marines and 2 Army personnel.

“Pinakita namin na disisais talaga ang Marines, dalawa ang Army.”

Dispute Over Alleged Recruitment Story

Baligod also denied another claim he attributed to Matibag — that a general from PMA Class 1975 supposedly recruited the men involved.

He said this had already been refuted and insisted that the allegation was not true.

According to Baligod, this was one of several points they had supposedly clarified before investigators.

Baligod Denies Financial Motive

Another issue raised by Baligod was the suggestion that the individuals signed affidavits because of economic problems.

He rejected that claim and said the men were not paid, adding that their goal was to reveal what they described as the truth behind billions allegedly stolen from public funds.

“Hindi kami nabayaran… ang gusto lang namin ay lumabas ang katotohanan.”

That statement directly challenges the idea that money or hardship was the driving force behind the testimonies.

2022 Flight Detail Becomes Key Issue

Baligod also focused on what he described as a major gap in the information attributed to Director Matibag.

He said Matibag allegedly referred only to 2023 to 2025 when discussing whether an air taxi aircraft had gone to Ilocos, while leaving out 2022.

According to Baligod, this omission is significant because the alleged delivery to Ilocos supposedly happened in 2022.

“He conveniently skipped 2022.”

Baligod argued that if investigators were serious about establishing the facts, they should include the period that is central to the allegation.

“An Investigator Should First Be Sure of the Facts”

In one of the strongest parts of his statement, Baligod criticized the alleged handling of information by Director Matibag.

He said an investigator should verify the facts first before making public statements.

“Hindi dapat ganyan ang investigator. Ang investigator bago magbukas ng bunganga, he should first be sure of his facts.”

That remark underscored Baligod’s broader message: that official pronouncements should be grounded in complete and accurate information, especially in a case involving serious public allegations.

Case Remains Contested

The latest exchange adds another layer to the already controversial case, with both sides appearing to dispute not only the evidence, but also the basic framing of the investigation.

At this stage, the claims and rebuttals remain part of an ongoing public dispute.

No final official finding was cited in the statement provided, and the issues Baligod raised continue to be matters of contention.

📖 Bible Reflection

📖 Proverbs 18:13

“To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.”

In any controversy, facts should come before conclusions.