Trigger warning: mentions of physical assault
A former driver and personal assistant has filed a complaint with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), accusing an actress and two beauty queens of alleged illegal detention, physical assault, and torture.
Photo: Michelle Dee and Rhian Ramos/Instagram
According to a report by GMA Integrated News, “Totoy” alleged that his former employer, Rhian Ramos, along with beauty queens Michelle Dee and Samantha Panlilio, physically assaulted and tortured him. He reportedly presented bruises and injuries, which he claimed were sustained during the alleged incident.
The complainant further stated that the incident occurred on January 17 after he was accused of stealing “private photos” belonging to the actress.
“Bigla po akong hinatak ng dalawang bodyguard tapos ‘yun nagbubugbog nila ako sa loob, sinisipa ako [at] suntok kahit sa gilid ng CR (I was suddenly pulled by two bodyguards, and then they started beating me inside. They kicked and punched me, even near the side of the restroom),” the complainant said,
He also alleged that Michelle was also involved in beating him: “Binugahan niya ako ng alcohol buong katawan ko pati mata ko. Tapos tinusok mata ko ng dalawang daliri niya (Alcohol was sprayed into my whole body and my eyes, while my eyes were poked with two of her fingers).”
Regarding the angpao that allegedly contained “sensitive photos,” he asserted that he did not have it.
He further claimed that the alleged abuse continued for three days inside a condominium unit in Makati City. According to the complainant, he attempted to escape by jumping from the 39th floor, but was later brought back by condominium security personnel.
Recalling the incident, he said he managed to hold onto a rope during his escape attempt: “May hinawakan pa ako na lubid, nung nakahawak pa ako sa lubid bukas pa ‘yung 25 floor nakapasok po ako sa may kwarto may kusina ng mga babae. Parang kwarto siya, doon ako dumaan (I managed to grab a rope, and while I was holding on, the 25th floor was still open. I was able to enter what looked like a bedroom and kitchen belonging to some women. It seemed like a room, and that’s where I passed through).”
After the incident, the complainant was brought to the Makati Police Station and charged with qualified theft.
However, he was released on January 22 after the prosecutor’s office dismissed the case.
As of writing, he is under the care of Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC).
Response from Michelle Dee and Rhian Ramos’ camp
Michelle Dee and Rhiam Ramos’ camp has denied serious illegal detention, physical assault, and torture allegations from the latter’s personal driver.
In a statement, Atty. Maggie Abraham-Garduque, legal counsel for Michelle and Rhian, said that the beauty queen had initially filed a complaint against the former driver.
“The last incident of our clients with Mr **** was when Michelle Dee filed a criminal case for qualified theft against him, which he admitted, and he even returned some of the items,” the attorney said in a statement.
The statement also noted that the driver was a resident of the condominium as part of his employment, adding that the allegations of illegal detention were denied.
“As far as our client is concerned, there was no illegal detention since Mr. **** was a resident of the condominium.”
Samantha Panlilio has yet to issue a statement regarding the complaint.
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