NBI checks CCTV and flight records in Michelle Dee controversy

• The National Bureau of Investigation is currently validating all statements and evidence regarding the mauling complaint filed by Rhian Ramos’ driver against Michelle Dee and Samantha Panlilio
• NBI Director Lito Magno confirmed that investigators are reviewing CCTV footage, flight details, and medical reports to establish the exact timeline of the alleged incident
• While the complainant claims the assault happened before a flight to Iloilo, witnesses in the province stated that Dee showed no signs of distress or physical bruises during her visit
• Aside from the mauling allegations, the NBI is also set to investigate the driver's claim that he was tortured at a police station to admit to stealing sensitive materials

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is leaving no stone unturned in the controversial mauling complaint filed by "Totoy," the driver of actress Rhian Ramos. The complaint also names Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee and beauty queen Samantha Panlilio as respondents in the alleged physical assault.

Read also

Michelle Dee files blotter over alleged assault as driver brings countercomplaint to NBI

NBI Director Lito Magno recently gave an update on the progress of the case, stressing that every claim is being cross-referenced with hard evidence. Investigators are currently focused on the conflicting timelines regarding Michelle Dee's whereabouts during the time of the alleged beating.

“Lahat ng mga statement nila is being validated… hinahanap natin lahat ng mga sinabi nila na pwedeng patotohanan, like CCTV,” Magno said. He added that the agency is gathering flight records and the official medical-legal report to see if the driver’s claims hold up. “To cooperate with the investigation ay malaking bagay para sa ikalulutas ng kasong ito,” he noted.

The driver, Totoy, claimed he was mauled by Dee and her group inside a Makati condominium before the beauty queen left for a guest appearance in Iloilo. However, Mags Cue, a Miss Iloilo judge who was with Dee during the Dinagyang festivities, painted a different picture. Cue described Dee as professional, energetic, and completely clear of any bruises or signs of distress while she was performing and posing for fans.

Read also

Novaliches fire scandal: Volunteer firefighter speaks out on viral vid amidst looting probe

Adding another layer of complexity to the case, Totoy also alleged that he was tortured at a Makati police station. He claims he was forced to admit that he stole "sensitive material" owned by Dee and Ramos. Meanwhile, the legal team of Samantha Panlilio has dismissed the entire complaint.

“Our client has not read the Complaint yet but she is confident that, after due investigation, it will be dismissed for being a pure fabrication,” her lawyers stated, promising to cooperate with the NBI to clear her name.

Michelle Dee is a celebrated beauty queen and actress who represented the Philippines in Miss Universe 2023, while Rhian Ramos is a veteran actress under GMA Network. Samantha Panlilio is also a former Miss Universe Philippines candidate. The three are known to be part of a close-knit circle of friends. The driver, Totoy, had been working within this circle before the relationship soured, leading to the current legal battle involving allegations of theft and physical violence.

Read also

Former beauty queen defends fellow titleholders amid heavy allegations

Before the mauling allegations surfaced, Michelle Dee had already gone to the authorities to report her driver. According to reports, the beauty queen filed a blotter against him for allegedly taking sensitive material without permission. This initial conflict appears to be the root of the tension that eventually led to the driver’s physical assault complaint.

Official records from the barangay have surfaced, confirming that a report was indeed made by Michelle Dee regarding the driver’s conduct. The documents show that there was an existing dispute over "sensitive material" kept by the actress and the beauty queen. These records are now being reviewed by the NBI as part of the broader investigation into the claims of both parties.

Source: KAMI.com.gh