MANILA, Philippines—The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has clarified that the individuals popularly referred to as the “18 Marines” in the ongoing flood-control controversy were no longer in active military service when the alleged activities linked to the scandal supposedly took place.

AFP Public Affairs Office Chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the characterization of the group as “Marines” or even “ex-Marines” has created a misleading impression that the military institution itself may have been involved in the alleged irregularities surrounding flood control projects.

“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,” Trinidad said in a statement. He stressed that any alleged activities attributed to the individuals were undertaken in their private capacities and not on behalf of the AFP. (Philippine News Agency)

The clarification comes after the group emerged as key witnesses in a Senate inquiry into alleged anomalies in government flood-control projects. Several members of the group claimed to have served as security aides and bodyguards of prominent political personalities and businessmen allegedly linked to the controversy. (Inquirer.net)

Trinidad further emphasized that not all of the 18 individuals were former members of the Philippine Marine Corps, contrary to public perception. He said continued use of the term “Marines” may inadvertently suggest institutional participation by the AFP or the Philippine Marine Corps in the alleged transactions under investigation. (Philippine News Agency)

“For accuracy, we respectfully encourage the use of the individuals’ names, or simply refer to them as witnesses, affiants, or former staff and bodyguards of the concerned personalities,” Trinidad said. (Inquirer.net)

The AFP’s position echoes an earlier statement from the Philippine Navy, which disclosed that four of the 18 individuals were never members of either the Philippine Navy or the Marine Corps. Navy records also showed that while some former military personnel among the group retired in good standing, a majority had been separated from the service under less favorable circumstances, including dishonorable discharge. (Inquirer.net)

Military officials have likewise appealed to the public and the media to exercise caution in describing the witnesses, arguing that inaccurate labels could unfairly implicate the armed forces in allegations that remain the subject of ongoing investigations. (Philstar)

The AFP maintained that the institution has no connection to the alleged acts being investigated and reiterated that accountability, if warranted, should attach to the individuals concerned rather than to the military organization as a whole. (Philippine News Agency)

The Senate inquiry into the alleged flood-control kickback scheme remains ongoing, with lawmakers seeking to verify claims of cash deliveries to political figures and other personalities connected to government-funded infrastructure projects. (Inquirer.net)