AFP: ‘Maleta Boys’ not acting as Marines in Senate controversy
The Armed Forces of the Philippines clarifies that the so-called ‘Maleta Boys’ in the Senate controversy are not acting as Marines, stressing they were no longer in active service and acted in a private capacity, to avoid implying institutional AFP or Philippine Marine Corps involvement.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) cautioned the public and the media that the so-called “Maleta Boys,” often tagged as “Marines” or “ex-Marines,” were no longer in active military service and were acting in their private capacities.
Col. Xerxes Trinidad, AFP Public Affairs Office chief, called for accuracy in referring to the individuals involved in the ongoing Senate proceedings.
“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. These were undertaken in their private capacities and not on behalf of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Trinidad said in a statement sent to the DAILY TRIBUNE.
“It should also be clarified that not all of the individuals concerned are former members of the Philippine Marine Corps. As such, the use of the term ‘Marines’ may unintentionally suggest institutional involvement by the AFP or the Philippine Marine Corps,” he explained.
“For accuracy, we respectfully encourage the use of the individuals’ names, or simply refer to them as witnesses, affiants, or former staff/bodyguards of the concerned personalities, as appropriate,” Trinidad said.