MANILA, Philippines – Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla on Thursday, March 5, said the allegations raised by 18 “ex-marines” were designed to create a “political tipping point,” aiming to push a branch of the service to “rise up in arms.”

“They are trying to create a political tipping point, alam na natin iyon, ‘di ba (we know that, right)? They want a branch of the service to rise up in arms, iyon lang naman iyon e (that’s really it). They are creating a tipping point,” Remulla told reporters in an interview.

At the height of the International Criminal Court pre-trial hearings into the crimes against humanity cases of former president Rodrigo Duterte, the so-called ex-marines released an affidavit, alleging that they made cash deliveries to former senator Antonio Trillanes IV to partly fund the ICC investigation.

They self-proclaimed former marines also claimed they were asked to be security escorts of the ICC personnel, and identified the supposed ICC team members by name. Trillanes has since denied the allegations.

Meanwhile, Remulla said they had asked the National Bureau of Investigation to look into the affidavits.

Trillanes on Thursday filed a perjury complaint against the 18 “ex-marines.”

He also filed a complaint for cyber libel, and alleged violation of Article 363 of the Revised Penal Code (incriminating an innocent person) against lawyer Levi Baligod, former lawmaker Mike Defensor, former broadcaster Jay Sonza, former anti-insurgency spokesperson Lorraine Badoy, and vlogger Cathy Binag “for the conflicting and defamatory statements regarding a fictitious $2-million cash transfer and unfounded accusations of kidnapping.” – Rappler.com