MANILA, Philippines - The Pasig City police are set to file charges today against actor Matt Evans for allegedly hurting his partner and her brother during an altercation Saturday.
City police chief Senior Superintendent Mario Rariza said Evans will be charged with physical injuries in relation to violence against women before the city prosecutor’s office.
Rariza said the charges against Evans stemmed from a complaint filed by his girlfriend, Johnelline Hickins, and her brother, Juan Alberto Carlotta. According to Senior Police Officer 1 Lardy Ignacio, Evans’ partner filed a complaint against the actor Saturday night.
Rariza said Hickins and her brother were planning a surprise birthday party for Evans when the actor and Hickins engaged in a heated argument. At the height of the exchange, Evans allegedly pushed Hickins, who fell off the stairs, prompting the girl’s brother to intervene.
Carlotta said he tried to stop the actor from further hurting his sister, who gave birth last month, but he was kicked in the face instead.
Evans’ lawyer, Gerly Rico, said there was indeed an altercation among the three but denied that the actor injured Hickins and Carlotta.
“Matt denies having inflicted any injury against his girlfriend or her brother. In fact, it was Matt who was hit on the leg and who was threatened with a knife,” Rico said, adding that they “are awaiting the legal processes to proceed so that Matt’s name will be cleared from all these accusations, which are nothing but lies.”
Rariza said Evans is being held at the Pasig City police station.