NBI summons 3 celebrities over alleged assault

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has summoned actresses Rhian Ramos and Michelle Dee, along with beauty queen Samantha Panlilio, in connection with a complaint for serious illegal detention and torture filed against them by a driver.

They were ordered to appear at the NBI homicide division today.

The complainant, identified as Ramos’ driver, alias “Totoy,” accused the celebrities of detaining and assaulting him last month.

The driver alleged that on Jan. 17, he was forcibly taken to the condominium unit of Ramos and Dee, where he was pressured to admit stealing an angpao or red envelope containing sensitive pictures.

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

Maggie Abraham-Garduque, counsel for Dee, confirmed receiving a subpoena from the NBI and said her client would comply.

A subpoena was also reportedly issued by the Makati prosecutor’s office in connection with a qualified theft complaint filed by Dee’s camp against the driver.