Senator Panfilo Lacson said Sunday that any alleged destabilization effort involving the so-called “18 Maleta Boys” is unlikely to gain support from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.
In a radio interview, Lacson said the AFP and other uniformed services have already distanced themselves from the 18 former Marines who previously claimed they delivered suitcases containing cash to personalities linked to the flood control controversy.
“The AFP and our uniformed services have no sympathy for the 18 Maleta Boys,” Lacson said, noting that the Philippine Marines and the AFP have publicly disowned the group and that several of its members had been dishonorably discharged from service.
He said any assumption that the group could trigger broader unrest or mobilize the military and police was misguided.
Lacson also cautioned against using the former Marines as a rallying point for any effort aimed at influencing members of the AFP or PNP.
The senator said Senate authorities are continuing to assess and validate intelligence information regarding possible security threats with the assistance of intelligence units from various uniformed services.
He added that Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian’s decision to tighten security measures at the Senate and allow employees to work remotely may have helped prevent any potential threat from escalating.
Lacson also questioned the presence of the 18 former Marines at the Senate on June 8.
According to the senator, the group did not intend to participate in the consultative meeting called by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chaired by Senator Erwin Tulfo, yet still sought entry into the Senate premises.
Instead of attending the proceedings, the group proceeded to the office of Senator Robinhood Padilla, where they later conducted a press conference.
Lacson further alleged that individuals supporting the group pressured and harassed Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Retired Police Major General Alfredo Corpuz in an effort to gain access to the Senate complex.
Drawing from his law enforcement and intelligence background, Lacson said the circumstances raised questions about the group’s intentions and whether there had been plans to use the Senate as a staging area for a broader political action.
He emphasized, however, that his assessment was based on personal observation and that authorities are continuing to validate all available intelligence information.
Staff Report19 seconds ago
