NBI summons 3 celebrities as probe on torture raps deepens

National

THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has summoned actresses Rhian Ramos and Michelle Dee, along with beauty queen Samantha Panlilio, to address allegations of serious illegal detention and torture.

The subpoenas issued by the NBI’s Homicide Division required the three women to appear for questioning on Friday, Feb 27.

The issue stemmed from allegations hurled against the celebrities by Ramos’ former driver, a report by Philstar said.

According to the sworn statement of alias Totoy, the incident occurred last month when he was allegedly held against his will at a condominium owned by Ramos and Dee.

Totoy claimed he was detained from Jan. 17-19, and was pressured to confess to stealing a red envelope containing sensitive photographs.

The complainant further alleged that he was assaulted by Dee’s security detail and that the three women participated in the abuse.

Michelle Dee’s legal counsel, Maggie Abraham-Garduque, confirmed the receipt of the NBI subpoena and stated that her client intends to cooperate with the investigation.

Separate reports stated that the Makati Prosecutor’s Office has issued a subpoena regarding a qualified theft complaint filed by Dee’s camp against the driver.(Mary Angel Parac, BiPSU Comm Intern)