Trillanes files cyberlibel raps vs 3 influencers

MANILA, Philippines —  Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV filed on Tuesday a cyberlibel complaint against three social media influencers before the National Bureau of Investigation.

The former legislator declined to provide a copy of his complaint, based on the advice of his lawyer.

He said the influencers, whom he did not identify, claimed he sold Panatag or Scarborough Shoal to China when he conducted backchannel talks during the administration of former president Benigno Aquino III.

“It is related to the Scarborough issue,” Trillanes said in a message on Viber.

Last month, Trillanes lodged libel and cyberlibel charges against former presidential spokesman Harry Roque and vlogger Byron Cristobal for allegedly spreading similar false accusations against him.

Trillanes said Roque; Cristobal, who is also known as Banat By; several hosts of Sonshine Media Network Inc. and other holders of social media accounts have accused him of selling Scarborough Shoal to China.