The Department of Justice (DOJ) has recommended that cyberlibel and perjury charges be pressed against Atty. Levito Baligod and the 18 “maleta boys” or self-confessed bagmen linked to former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co.

Former Senator Antonio Trillanes announced the development in a social media post, paired with a photo of the DOJ resolution, RH 9 Tina Nolasco reported.

“Lumabas na po ang DoJ resolution na pinapakasuhan sa korte ng cyberlibel/perjury sina Atty Baligod at ang 18 soldiers. More to come,” he wrote.

Previously, the bagmen implicated Trillanes in a kickback scheme, alleging he had accepted suitcases of cash from flood control project funds.

In response, the former senator filed multiple cases against the group.

Shortly after Trillanes’ announcement, the DOJ confirmed the multiple Informations against the “maleta boys” and Atty. Baligod, who represents them.

“Under the approved resolutions, the so-called ‘18 maleta boys’ are to be charged in ten (10) separate Informations for the following offenses:

Sex (6) counts of cyber libel under Section 4(c) (4) of Republic Act No. 10175, otherwise known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012; and

Four (4) counts of perjury,” the Department said in a press release.