NBI probes raps vs celebrities

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is investigating allegations of serious illegal detention and torture filed by a driver against celebrities Michelle Dee, Rhian Ramos and Samantha Panlilio.

Acting NBI director Angelito Magno said the case reached the NBI due to the gravity of the accusations.

“There are allegations of serious illegal detention and allegations of torture, and we are investigating these claims and determining their validity,” he said.

Asked whether the case could have been handled at the barangay level, Magno said the complaint involves a serious crime, noting that serious illegal detention is a non-bailable offense.

According to Magno, the NBI is checking all accusations and counter statements, including claims that one of the respondents was out of town at the time of the alleged incident.

“We are checking all the accusations and all the answers. Later, we will come out with our result,” he said.

The complaint was filed by Bonifacio Baro, Ramos’ driver.

Baro alleged that on Jan. 17, he was forcibly brought to the condominium unit of Ramos and Dee, where he was pressured to admit stealing an angpao (red envelope) containing sensitive photos.

He claimed he was detained for three days and beaten by Dee’s bodyguards, adding that Dee, Ramos and Panlilio also took part in the assault.

Dee, the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 winner, filed a complaint against Baro for assault and theft in Barangay Urdaneta in Makati.

She alleged that Baro “physically harmed me on my right arm that left bruises, scratches and nail marks” after confronting him about the lost envelope.

The barangay blotter report also said that Baro tried to escape from Dee’s condominium unit on the 39th floor by jumping to the 25th floor using a gondola rope.

Baro allegedly entered an open unit before reaching the street, where Dee’s bodyguards reportedly caught up with him and brought him back to the 39th floor.

He was earlier brought to the Makati police station but was released after the prosecutor’s office junked the case. — EJ Macababbad