Lawyer Levito Baligod said one of the alleged bodyguards of former Partylist Representative Zaldy Co was being “restrained” at an undisclosed location, despite having recanted statements concerning the alleged delivery of cash-filled luggage to several lawmakers.

Baligod identified the bodyguard as Benny Boluntate. He said he video-called Boluntate, one of the remaining members of the “Brave 14,” on Thursday, 13 August. During the call, Boluntate showed him his surroundings and appeared pale and sleep-deprived, Baligod said.

The development, however, was not unexpected, as Baligod said the 18 individuals had long been subjected to “focused operations” and faced psychological, financial and other forms of threats.

Asked about the intention of Boluntate’s call, Baligod said that he was neither attempting to convince his fellow bodyguards to recant their statements nor urging them to stand firm on their remarks.

While Boluntate was the only person who appeared in the call, it was his belief that the four other individuals were also being held against their will.

“I can’t really say the other details because we will look at how the situation will evolve. I am just praying that they are in a good situation,” he explained.

Circumstances in the recantation

Baligod added that the four individuals who recanted their statements contacted him a day before they publicly disclosed their withdrawal.

He said he did not necessarily stop them, but advised them that there would be no turning back afterward.

“Actually, the very night before they recanted, they asked for permission. Actually, they told me long before that. I told them that I would not stop them. I told them to do what they thought was right, what could help them; I told them to go ahead. I told them not to blame anyone in the end,” he said.

Counter affidavit

Aside from addressing the circumstances, another issue Baligod sought to discuss with the Ombudsman was the allegations that state investigators bribed the individuals to construct their affidavits.

The lawyer said they would coordinate with the state investigators on affidavits that would refute the allegations.

“I will be preparing, together with the Ombudsman lawyers, an affidavit from those who were able to observe the proceedings during the question-and-answer exercise between the witnesses and the Ombudsman lawyers,” he stated.

Baligod noted that the said affidavits would also contain information regarding the alleged deliveries, adding on to the five remaining testimonies that were used by the Ombudsman.