NBI’s Matibag: 18 bagmen’s claims may have been ‘coached’

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MANILA, Philippines — There are indicators that the testimonies of the 18 supposed bagmen of former lawmaker Zaldy Co were “coached” and “coordinated,” National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag said on Monday.

He disclosed these indicators during the Senate blue ribbon committee meeting on the flood-control probe, citing the NBI’s assessment.

“The political context shows that this is a coordinated operation, not independent whistleblowing,” Matibag said in Filipino.

He explained that the political context, in this case, includes changes to the affidavits in response to the change in Senate leadership.