Manila: Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV has filed cyber libel charges at the Department of Justice against 18 individuals claiming to be ex-Marines. These individuals have accused Trillanes of receiving suitcases filled with cash, reportedly intended for investigators of the International Criminal Court.

According to Philippines News Agency, the charges stem from a series of media interviews given by these ex-Marines, in which they implicated Trillanes. The charges also include allegations against Byron 'Banat By' Cristobal, Oliver 'Coach Oli' Cristobal, 'Master Judea,' and Arjay Piodina, who are associated with the news platform SMNI.

Trillanes has vowed to continue his legal actions against those spreading what he claims are lies. "As long as they continue to spread their lies, I will continue to file cases against them. I will not stop as long as they keep opening their mouths to spew lies," Trillanes stated during a media interview.

Previously, on March 5, Trillanes had filed a perjury complaint against the group, as well as against lawyer Levi Baligod, former congressman Mike Defensor, former newscaster Jay Sonza, National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict spokesperson Dr. Lorraine Badoy, and businesswoman Cathy Binag.

Trillanes has denied the allegations from the respondents, which include claims that he received USD2 million from fugitive former party-list congressman Zaldy Co, who is linked to controversial flood control projects.