NBI dares Defensor to prove it detained, beat up Zaldy Co’s aide
The National Bureau of Investigation on Monday denied the allegations of a former congressman that its personnel beat up and unlawfully detained the aide of resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and his pregnant wife before flying them to Chile on fake passports, supposedly to prevent him from testifying in the ongoing investigation of anomalous flood control projects.
“These allegations are unfounded, unsupported by evidence, and purely speculative,” the NBI said in a statement in response to the claims made by former Anakalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor about Co’s aide, John Paul Estrada.
The Department of Justice, for its part, told reporters that it has yet to receive verified information regarding the issue.
According to the NBI, there were no complaints, reports or medical records showing that Estrada or his wife suffered physical harm, nor was there any record that the bureau took them under custody.
“We categorically condemn any false, malicious, or unverified statements intended to undermine the credibility and integrity of our institution,” it said.
In an interview with Bilyonaryo News Channel, Defensor said the couple was beaten up and held before they were flown to Chile.
Defensor’s commitment
The NBI expressed willingness to undergo a formal investigation into the issue as it called on Defensor to present verifiable evidence in making these accusations.
“As per our communication, Mr. Defensor gave his assurance that he will submit material evidence in support of his claims, and we expect him to honor this commitment,” it said.
Should there be enough evidence presented, the NBI said it would proceed to conduct a proper investigation of the matter.
But “absent any credible proof, these allegations remain unfounded, cannot be given weight, and may even lead to prosecution for its malicious intent to undermine the credibility and integrity of the Bureau,” it added.
According to the NBI, it has already coordinated with the Bureau of Immigration and is now waiting for an update on the whereabouts of Estrada and his wife.
Estrada is one of Co’s executive assistants who allegedly received kickbacks from government projects on his behalf.
Over the weekend and in a series of videos uploaded on social media, Co alleged that President Marcos ordered the insertion of P100 billion in the 2025 national budget for public infrastructure projects. He said that Mr. Marcos earned kickbacks amounting to a quarter of the amount, with Speaker Martin Romualdez also receiving a share of the money.
Co, who left the country in July and has since refused to return due to supposed threats to his life, has been linked to the flood control corruption scandal through Sunwest Inc., a construction company he founded. He is accused of earning billions in pesos in government contracts for infrastructure projects, some of which were alleged to be substandard, and of inserting billions of pesos in the 2025 national budget.
