National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag has stated that the P75 million marked money involved in the arrest of social media figure Franco Mabanta was sourced from the NBI’s confidential funds.
This clarification follows allegations by Atty. Rowena Guanzon, who questioned how former House Speaker Martin Romualdez could have provided such a large sum given his frozen assets.
In a recent ambush interview, Matibag responded to Guanzon’s claims, emphasizing that only P50,000 of the total amount was real cash provided by the NBI.
He explained that the remaining money, known as 'boodle money,' is designed to appear legitimate but is not real currency.
Matibag pointed out that intelligence and confidential funds are standard practice for law enforcement operations.
The NBI arrested Mabanta and four associates during an entrapment operation on May 5, 2026, after they allegedly attempted to extort P350 million from Romualdez.
During the operation, agents carried three bags containing the mixed marked and boodle money to meet Mabanta at a hotel in Makati City.
Upon delivery, Mabanta and his co-accused were apprehended at the Valle Verde Country Club.
They are currently in custody at the NBI detention facility, awaiting a decision from the Pasig City Regional Trial Court.
Matibag has stated that the bail amount for Mabanta and his co-accused has yet to be determined.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The investigation continues as authorities prepare their case against the accused. Matibag stressed the importance of following proper legal procedures.
That’s why law enforcement agencies have intelligence funds and confidential funds for use in such operations. The complainant’s group did not release any money in this case.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag