Manila: Senator Risa Hontiveros has filed a cyber libel complaint with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), targeting those responsible for two videos featuring Michael Maurilio that she claims are 'dangerous lies' directed at her. Appearing at the NBI headquarters alongside her legal counsel, Hontiveros stated that the complaint aims to uncover the producers of the videos and scrutinize vloggers who allegedly amplified and embellished the false claims.
According to Philippines News Agency, Hontiveros highlighted that no one has yet claimed responsibility for producing the videos. She named Krizette Chu, Jay Sonza, Sass Rogando Sasot, Trixie Cruz-Angeles, Banat By, among others, in the complaint for allegedly disseminating disinformation.
Hontiveros mentioned that charges have been filed against a dozen individuals, but the number could increase depending on the NBI's findings. She clarified that the case was filed for cyber libel, based on her lawyers' advice, and emphasized her intolerance for what she termed 'psychological warfare.'
Michael Maurilio had previously come forward as a witness in a Senate probe led by Hontiveros, alleging abuses by Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and asserting that he witnessed armed Duterte family members at Quiboloy's Glory Mountain compound. However, in a recent video, Maurilio recanted his earlier testimony, claiming coercion and bribery to fabricate allegations against Quiboloy and the Dutertes.
Hontiveros stated that a Senate inquiry into the proliferation of fake news remains a possibility, though her current focus is on the formal complaint with the NBI. She also expressed concerns over Maurilio's whereabouts, citing messages received by the Senate from Maurilio indicating he was being held against his will by the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) at Glory Mountain.
The emergence of a newly created YouTube channel called Pagtanggol Valiente, which published one of the contested videos shortly after Maurilio's last communication, has further raised alarm. Hontiveros has requested the NBI to identify those responsible for the channel. While she continues to pray for Maurilio's safety, she insists on holding him accountable for allegedly spreading falsehoods. If Maurilio was coerced, rescuing him becomes even more urgent.
