The Office of the Ombudsman was urged by Atty. Levito Baligod on Thursday to investigate allegations made by 18 individuals introduced as supposed former Marines, who claimed that Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co instructed them to deliver cash to various personalities.

Baligod said the Ombudsman can now act on the allegations since he has submitted their notarized affidavit.

He explained that they went to the Office of the Ombudsman because it has primary jurisdiction to investigate government officials allegedly involved in corruption.

Baligod was not accompanied by the 18 supposed former Marines when the affidavit was submitted.

“We are here to present a prima facie proof that an offense has been committed by the people named in the affidavit. These offenses include, graft, violations of RA 6713 prohibiting public officials from receiving gifts. Our basis is that they accepted millions of money but it was not reflected in their SALN,” Baligod said.

Baligod also accused Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, when he was justice secretary, of committing graft for allegedly meeting with International Criminal Court staff, which he said caused “undue damage to government.”

However, he did not categorically explain what undue damage had been committed.

Instead, Baligod said, “Well, I will not tell you now the possible connection. Because there is kidnapping case that was filed by the family of Duterte.”

He was apparently referring to kidnapping charges filed by the family of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is facing trial for alleged crimes against humanity over drug war killings before the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

Baligod also did not directly answer what the alleged purpose was of Co giving money to public officials, saying the matter would come out in the investigation.

Personalities named in the affidavit have since denied the allegations.