NBI: No attempt to rape Deniece

MANILA, Philippines - The National Bureau of Investigation said on Wednesday it was impossible that there was an attempted rape on Deniece Cornejo by TV host Vhong Navarro.

Noting the CCTV footage it got from the security personnel of the Forbeswood Height condominium in Taguig City, NBI director Vicente de Guzman said Cornejo was out of her unit when Navarro arrived.

"It is not possible na sinasabi nilang attempt to rape Ms. Cornejo... very glaring sa ating footage na there is no incident na si Deniece was inside that room," De Guzman told a media briefing.

De Guzman said the CCTV footage also confirmed Navarro's statement that two men were already inside room where Cornejo was staying when he arrived.

"There was no video footage na pumasok 'yung dalawa.  Ibig sabihin nandun na sila ahead of Mr. Vhong Navarro and the group of Cedric (Lee)," the NBI official said.

Based on the CCTV footage,  Cornejo went out of the room at the second floor several minutes after Navarro, who was wearing a cap, collared shirt and short pants arrived. He was carrying a brown paper bag reportedly containing pansit (noodles).

After a few more minutes, Cedric Lee arrived at the condo then went up the 2nd floor where Navarro got off.

The footage showed that Lee's other companions - Ferdinand Guerrero, Zimmer Rance, an alias Mike and two other men-- followed and went up the 2nd floor.

The CCTV footage also showed two men were escorting Navarro, whose hands were tied behind his back, when they entered the elevator. They were accompanied by Cornejo and Lee's group.

NBI has already summoned two men identified as JP Calma and Jeff Hernandez, who were reportedly inside the unit, owned by a certain Soledad Ramos.

De Guzman said  Ramos has a letter to the condo management allowing Cornejo to use the unit.

"Nine days palang ino-occupy ni Ms. Cornejo yung unit after the stay of a Malaysian," he said.

The NBI has filed six charges, including serious illegal detention, grave threats, and serious physical injuries, against Cornejo and Lee's group before the Department of Justice.