Manila: Former senator Antonio Trillanes announced plans to file an additional complaint against the 18 former bodyguards of dismissed Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co. This development comes as Trillanes attended the Department of Justice's (DOJ) preliminary investigation into the cyber libel charges previously filed against the group.

According to Philippines News Agency, Trillanes stated his intent to pursue further legal action due to statements made by the bodyguards during a Senate hearing under Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano's bloc on June 4. The group's lawyer, Levito Baligod, confirmed receiving a request from the Office of the Ombudsman to arrange a meeting with the 18 bodyguards, which is scheduled to begin on June 11.

In a related development, the DOJ resumed its investigation into market-manipulation allegations against the Villar Group, brought forth by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The prosecution sought further clarification from the audit firm Punongbayan and Araullo regarding its valuation study of the Villars' properties. Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Peter Ong noted that the firm provided draft financial statements to the Villar Group, despite ongoing audits, to illustrate the potential impact of different valuation methods.

Ong refrained from commenting on whether these actions could be deemed irregular, as the case remains unresolved. The next hearing concerning the allegations of market manipulation, insider trading, and misleading disclosures is scheduled for July 1.