PNP files raps vs Forbeswood security in Vhong case

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Taguig has filed charges against the security agency of Forbeswood Heights in connection with the mauling of television host Vhong Navarro.

In the complaint lodged Thursday, the Taguig City police accused United Megaforce Security Services of obstruction of justice for withholding information from the investigation on the assault on Navarro by businessman Cedric Lee and company on January 22.

The Taguig City police said Megaforce watchmen violated Presidential Decree 1829 penalizing obstruction of apprehension and prosecution of criminal offenders.

On Monday Major Sonny Celedio of PNP Civil Security Group said that the security is being probed for failing to report the incident to the police

"We are looking into the infraction of the security agency for failure to report the incident within 24 hours," Celedio said.

Celedio added that the police station is only "a phone call" away and security guards are required to report any incidents.

Security cameras have shown that the beaten up Navarro, with hands tied behind him, were accompanied by Lee, model Deniece Cornejo and others as they exited the condominium that night.

Megaforce, however, issued a disclaimer on the incident and said that the Forbeswood management did not authorize its security personnel to release the CCTV footage, logbook and other related documents to the authorities.

"We are subject to the desires of our client," lawyer Wilfredo Molless, property manager of Megaforce, said in a statement last week.

Megaforce added guards have been cooperating with the National Bureau of Investigation and have given the information needed to aid the investigation.