Lee, Cornejo charged for 6 offenses in Vhong attack

MANILA, Philippines  - The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) charged businessman Cedric Lee, model Deniece Cornejo and their six companions for six offenses in connection with their attack on actor Vhong Navarro.

NBI filed the complaint before the Prosecutor General's office on Tuesday afternoon as a result of an investigation on the incident in Cornejo's Taguig condominium on January 22, Wednesday.

Recommended for prosecution were Cornejo, Lee, Bernice Lee, Ferdinand Guerrero, Zimmer Rance and three others carrying aliases of "Mike," "John Doe" and "Peter Doe."

State investigators said that the results of the probe found sufficient reason for respondents to face charges for kidnapping and serious illegal detention, which is a non-bailable offense.

The respondents also face charges for serious physical injuries, grave threats, grave coercion, unlawful arrest, threatening to prevent publication in exchange for compensation.

Navarro, whom the group accused of attempting to sexually abuse Cornejo, maintained that he was "set up" for the crime and forced to admit it on video after being beaten up.

Lee, however, said that they rescued Cornejo from Navarro, who was naked when they arrived in the residential unit at Forbeswood.

The businessman said that his camp is also preparing to file rape charges against Navarro as well as libel complaints for his claims. - Camille Diola and Aie Balagtas See