MANILA, Philippines – Nilinaw ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) na wala na sa serbisyo ang mga umano’y 18 Marines na dumalo sa pagdinig ng Senado noong Huwebes.
“While some reports have collectively described them as ‘Marines’ or ‘Ex-Marines,’ it is important to note that they were no longer in active military service at the time of the acts and allegations being discussed. These were undertaken in their private capacities and not on behalf of the AFP,” sinabi ni AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad nitong Biyernes, Hunyo 5.
Nilinaw din niya na hindi lahat ng mga indibidwal na ito ay naging miyembro ng Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) at ang paulit-ulit na paggamit ng salitang “Marines” ay nag-uugnay sa institusyon ng AFP o PMC sa mga anomalya.
“For accuracy, we respectfully encourage the use of the individuals’ names, or simply refer to them as witnesses, affiants, or former staff/bodyguards of the concerned personalities, as appropriate,” ani Trinidad.
Nauna nang sinabi ni Philippine Navy spokesperson Capt. Marissa Martinez na apat sa mga indibidwal na ito ay hindi naging miyembro ng Navy o PMC.
“Based on official records, (four) were never members of the PN or the PMC (a type unit under the Navy). Majority of the individuals were discharged dishonorably from the service, while others were able to retire in good standing,” ani Martinez.
Nang tanungin naman kung ilan sa mga ito ang dishonorably discharged, tumanggi naman si Martinez na sabihin kung ilan ang dishonorably discharged sa serbisyo.
“We cannot give a number because of the families, especially if they were dishonorably discharged,” dagdag pa. RNT/JGC
