The Philippine Navy on Thursday denied that retired Marine Orly Regala Guteza is under the protection or custody of the Philippine Marine Corps, clarifying that he has long been separated from military service.
Navy spokesperson Capt. Marissa Martinez said Guteza has been retired from the Philippine Marine Corps since June 30, 2020, and therefore no longer falls under the administrative authority of the Navy.
“The Philippine Navy emphasizes that Mr. Orly Regala Guteza has been retired from the Philippine Marine Corps since June 30, 2020. As a retired serviceman, he no longer falls under the administrative authority of the Philippine Navy,” Martinez told Manila Standard.
She added that any actions or engagements by Guteza are undertaken in his personal capacity, without any involvement from the Marine Corps.
“It must also be made clear that Mr. Orly Regala Guteza is not under the protection of the Philippine Marine Corps, which has no involvement in his personal affairs,” she said.
Martinez stressed that the Navy remains a professional and non-partisan institution, “dedicated to upholding national sovereignty and serving the Filipino people with honor and integrity.”
Former Congressman Mike Defensor earlier said that Guteza is currently in the custody of the Marines.
According to Defensor, Guteza has been with the Marines since his appearance before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee in September.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Thursday called out the supposed erroneous claim that the Philippine Marines were securing retired Marine T/Sgt. Orly Guteza, who testified that he had delivered cash-stuffed suitcases to Leyte Rep. and former Speaker Martin Romualdez and resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co.
“As per verification made with the Marine Commandant, MGen Vince Blanco (PMA Cl ’91), through fellow cavaliers, Guteza is not and has never been under their custody,” Lacson posted on X.
“How much more fakery can we take?” he asked.
Lacson, who is set to return as chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, made the remarks after former Anakalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor told the Bilyonaryo News Channel that Guteza was staying with his former military unit in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
He noted that Blanco’s clarification belied Defensor’s claim.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Navy denies Marines’ protection of Guteza”
