MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday filed a cyber libel complaint before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) against several vloggers over videos featuring Michael Maurillo, a former witness in the Senate’s investigation into the Socorro cult.

In an interview at the NBI, Hontiveros said the complaint seeks to identify those behind the production and spread of two videos discrediting Maurillo’s earlier testimonies. She said no one has come forward to claim responsibility for the videos.

Hontiveros also requested the NBI to investigate vloggers who allegedly amplified falsehoods in the videos. Among those named in her complaint are Krizette Chu, Jay Sonza, Sass Sasot, Trixie Cruz-Angeles, and Banat By.

“This is just the first step. We will determine, based on the NBI’s findings and on my lawyers’ advice, who else should be charged and what additional cases should be filed,” she said.

The senator said her legal team advised that cyber libel was the appropriate charge, stressing the gravity of the lies that targeted not only her but also Senate witnesses, her staff, and the Senate institution itself.

Asked how many individuals were included in the complaint, Hontiveros said around a dozen names were listed but more may be added depending on the NBI’s investigation.

She also flagged a newly created social media channel named “Pagtanggol Valiente,” which she said surfaced on June 24—just a day after Maurillo allegedly sent distress messages to her office claiming he had been kidnapped by the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC).

“Imagine, just a little over a week ago, he was asking for rescue. And now, there are videos of him saying the opposite,” she said. “We’ve asked the NBI to determine who is behind this fake news channel.”

The senator said she continues to pray for Maurillo’s safety, adding that if he was indeed kidnapped or under duress, he must be found immediately. She said it would allow both the NBI to probe the case further and Maurillo to explain his side.

Asked whether the Senate should take action, Hontiveros said rescue operations fall under the purview of law enforcement and not Congress. She said her office already turned over Maurillo’s messages to the Philippine National Police in Davao for proper action.