Mabanta, 4 Others Post Bail in P300M Extortion Case
MANILA – Social media influencer Franco Mabanta and four others have been released after posting bail on Saturday in connection with an ongoing investigation into an alleged P300 million extortion attempt. The case involves accusations targeting Leyte 1st District Representative Marvin Reynaldo Marcos.
According to authorities, Mabanta and his co-accused posted bail at the Manila Regional Trial Court. The amount posted was not immediately disclosed, but it secures their temporary release pending further proceedings. The charges stem from allegations that they attempted to extort a significant sum from Representative Marcos.
The alleged extortion scheme reportedly involved demands for money in exchange for purportedly suppressing information or influencing actions related to Representative Marcos. Details surrounding the specific nature of the alleged demands and the evidence against the accused remain under investigation by law enforcement agencies.
Representative Marcos previously reported the alleged extortion attempt to the authorities, prompting the initiation of the criminal case. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is leading the investigation into the matter, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses to determine the full extent of the alleged scheme and the roles of each individual involved.
Mabanta, known for his presence on social media, faces serious charges, and the outcome of the case will likely draw considerable public attention. The court will now schedule preliminary hearings to determine the next steps in the legal process. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available.