Army Colonel denies links to Duterte bagman cash payoff allegations 

A senior Philippine Army officer “categorically” denied knowing or having any dealings with a man who recently surfaced with sweeping accusations linking Vice President Sara Duterte and her circle to alleged cash deliveries funded by drug groups and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

In a statement, Col. Raymund Dante Lachica rejected claims made by Ramil Lagonoy Madriaga, a self-proclaimed “bagman” who has accused the Vice President’s camp of receiving covert funds across two administrations.

“I categorically state that I do not know Mr. Madriaga and have no personal or professional dealings with him at any time,” Lachica said. 

“Any assertion suggesting that I was associated with, recommended by, or worked with him is false and devoid of factual basis,” he added.

Madriaga, in a notarized affidavit dated 29 November 2025, alleged he witnessed the funnelling of money from POGO operators and drug-linked financiers to groups “supporting Duterte’s political rise.” 

Among these groups, he claimed, was ISIP Pilipinas, a campaign vehicle he said he formed in 2020 ahead of Duterte’s anticipated presidential run.

He further claimed that duffel bags of cash, allegedly ranging between P33 million and P35 million each, were picked up in several locations, including The Gate in Pampanga, Vertis North and Seda Hotel in Quezon City, and the Grand Hyatt in Bonifacio Global City.

Madriaga also alleged that in December 2022, he received instructions from two officers of the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG), identified as Col. Dennis Nolasco and Col. Raymund Dante Lachica, to distribute the bags of cash. 

The affidavit did not present documentary evidence supporting these claims, and none has been independently verified.

Lachica, however, slammed the narrative as baseless and stressed that AFP assignments, “particularly to security units serving national officials,” follow strict vetting and are insulated from outside influence.

“Assignments within the Armed Forces of the Philippines… are governed by established procedures, formal vetting, and command authority. These processes cannot be influenced by private individuals,” he said.

“As a career officer of the Philippine Army, I have always carried out my duties in accordance with lawful orders, established protocols, and the core values of the AFP. I take exception to the use of my name in narratives that lack verification or institutional grounding,” Lachica further stressed. 

The army official urged the public and the media to rely on verified information and official AFP sources. 

“I remain ready to provide clarification to any competent authority as required,” he added.

Madriaga’s allegations have circulated rapidly online, following earlier commentary — from a columnist outside the Daily Tribune — claiming that Vice President Duterte had supposedly visited Madriaga “several times at night” while he was detained. That claim, too, remains uncorroborated.

Lachica was relieved of his post as commander of the AFP Security and Protection Group (ASPG), effective 4 October 2025, due to an “existing case filed before the Office of the Ombudsman.”

The ASPG, formerly known as the Vice Presidential Security Protection Group, is tasked with protecting Vice President Sara Duterte.

His removal comes amid heightened scrutiny, as both Lachica and fellow security officer Col. Dennis Nolasco were earlier recommended by the House of Representatives for the filing of charges, including plunder, technical malversation, bribery, and corruption, in connection with an alleged financial controversy.