Former driver accuses Michelle Dee and Rhian Ramos of torture and serious illegal detention
A personal driver and assistant filed a complaint with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), accusing former Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee and actress Rhian Ramos of physical assault, torture, and serious illegal detention, as reported by TV Patrol on ABS-CBN News on Jan. 28.
Michelle Dee (left) and Rhian Ramos (Facebook)
The alleged incident took place inside a condominium unit in Makati City. The complainant, identified as Totoy, alleged that the incident happened on Jan. 17 after he was accused of stealing private photos from Michelle.
Totoy claimed he was physically assaulted and tortured by the celebrities. He showed his bruises and injuries, which he alleged were sustained during the assault.
"Sabi ko wala sa akin pero ang daming ginawa nila sa akin. Pinarusahan niya ako, hinubaran niya ako. Binuhusan niya ako ng alcohol sa buong katawan. Winisikan rin yung mga mata. (I told them the photos were not with me, but I was beaten. Alcohol was sprayed into my eyes, and my eyes were poked with fingers)," Totoy narrated.
Totoy also alleged that two male bodyguards were present while the three women assaulted him, and that he was detained inside the condominium unit for three days. As a result of the alleged abuse, he claimed he tried to escape by jumping from the unit.
“Tumalon ako mukla 39th floor. Nakahawak ako sa lubid. Pero hinawakan ako ng dalawang bodyguard. Tapos inakyat ukli ako sa taas. (I jumped from the 39th floor but managed to hold onto a rope. I was brought back by condominium security)," he added.
After the incident, Totoy was taken to the Makati Police Station and charged with qualified theft. However, the prosecutor’s office later dismissed the case, and he was released on Jan. 22.
Lawyer Maggie Abraham-Garduque, representing Michelle and Rhian, stated that Dee was the first to file a complaint against the driver.
“The last incident of our clients with Mr... was when Michelle Dee filed a criminal case for qualified theft against him, which he admitted, and he even returned some of the items,” Garduque said.
The lawyer also denied allegations of illegal detention, stating that the driver was a resident of the condominium as part of his employment.
“As far as our client is concerned, there was no incident of illegal detention since Mr... was a resident of the condominium,” she added.
Totoy, 40, is now under the care of Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption.