Senator Risa Hontiveros has filed a formal complaint before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) implicating several individuals — including unnamed public officials and possibly fellow senators — in what she described as a “well-funded and coordinated disinformation campaign” against her office.

While she did not publicly name the officials, Hontiveros confirmed they were listed in the complaint submitted on Wednesday.

“This is just the first step,” she said. “Our complaint aims to identify who produced the videos and who are amplifying the lies online.”

At the center of the controversy are two videos circulating on social media featuring self-proclaimed witness Michael Maurillo who claimed he was paid by Hontiveros to testify against fugitive pastor Apollo Quiboloy, former President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte.

The senator categorically denied Maurillo’s allegation, calling the videos “fabricated” and “part of a broader attempt to discredit me, my office, and the Senate.”

The complaint identifies at least a dozen individuals and online entities, including pro-administration personalities such as Krizette Chu, Jay Sonza, Sass Rogando Sasot, Trixie Cruz-Angeles and Banat Bay.

Also included in the cyberlibel complaint were Rob Rances, Aeron Peña (alias “Old School Pinoy”), Wredel Esguerra, Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celis, Joie Cruz (alias “Joie De Vivre Every Other Day”) and Atty. Ranny Randolf B. Libayan of BATASnatin.

Hontiveros also flagged a newly created Facebook page, Pagtanggol Valiente, which appeared on 24 June — the day after Maurillo’s last known messages were sent to her office.

The primary charge is cyber libel, though Hontiveros said that more charges may be filed as the investigation progresses.

She emphasized that public officials like her should be open to criticism, but “deliberate lies, especially those that intimidate witnesses and discredit institutions, must never be tolerated.”

While no Senate probe has been scheduled, Hontiveros said the 20th Congress remains open to continuing previous efforts to tackle online disinformation — a legislative push initiated under former senator Koko Pimentel.

As for Maurillo, his whereabouts remain unknown. Hontiveros said he had sent urgent messages to her office on 22 and 23 June, claiming he had been kidnapped by the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KoJC) and was being held at Glory Mountain in Davao City.

“Imagine, that was just over a week ago,” Hontiveros said. “He asked for rescue. The next thing we knew, these dubious videos started appearing.”

Her office referred Maurillo’s messages to the PNP in Davao, which acknowledged the report, but has yet to provide any updates. Hontiveros urged the police to act swiftly.

“If he is in danger, he must be rescued immediately. He can then assist in the NBI investigation and help uncover the forces behind this fake news, witness tampering, and psychological warfare,” she said.

The senator, who was accompanied by her legal team to the NBI, stressed: “This is not just about me — it’s about protecting our witnesses, our staff, and the truth.”