Rhian Ramos, Michelle Dee accused of illegal detention, torture in NBI complaint

A driver and personal assistant of actress Rhian Ramos has filed a complaint before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) accusing Ramos and her companions, beauty queen Michelle Dee and Samantha Panlilio, of illegal detention and acts of torture stemming from an alleged assault inside a Makati condominium in January.

The complainant, Bonifacio Baro, personally went to the NBI accompanied by Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) president Boy Evangelista, seeking assistance in pursuing charges over what he claimed were repeated physical assaults and inhumane treatment that left him traumatized and driven to contemplate ending his life.

According to Baro, the incident occurred in the early hours of January 17 after he and Ramos returned from a taping. In media interviews, Baro alleged that upon arriving at the actress’ condominium unit on the 39th floor of a residential building in Makati, he was suddenly attacked by Ramos and her bodyguards.

“Galing kami sa taping… Pag-uwi ko po ng alas tres ng madaling araw, kami ni [actress]… Pagbaba ko po ng gamit, bigla akong hinawakan at binugbog ako sa loob… Nagmamakaawa po ako, at binubugbog pa rin nila ako,” Baro said.

He claimed that the assault continued for hours and escalated the following day, January 18, when he attempted to end his life by jumping from a window on the 39th floor.

Baro said the attempt failed after he became entangled in an electrical cable, causing him to fall and strike the 25th floor of the building.

After managing to reach the lobby, Baro alleged that he was intercepted by Ramos’ bodyguards and forcibly brought back to the condominium unit. It was at this point, according to his account, that Dee and Panlilio allegedly joined in the abuse.

In his sworn statement and interviews, Baro accused Dee of subjecting him to degrading and coercive acts. He alleged that he was stripped of his clothes, doused with rubbing alcohol, sprayed with liquid, and forced to perform acts against his will.

“Dumating ‘yung [beauty queen], pinarusahan niya ako… Hinubaran niya ako, binuhusan niya ako ng alcohol sa katawan, tapos insprayan niya ako. Natanong ko siya, ‘Ma’am, ano po gagawin natin?’ Sabi niya, ‘Maglaro tayo,’” Baro said.

He continued with further allegations describing the incident in detail, claiming he was physically restrained and humiliated during the ordeal.

“Hinubad niya sa akin, wala akong damit… Inispreyan niya mata ko tapos ginanyan niya ng dalawang daliri niya… Hinawakan niya kamay ko, ipinasok niya sa dalawang.. Dito niya, saka dito. Tapos ‘yung kamay ko idiniin sa leeg niya,” he said.

Baro further alleged that Ramos’ two bodyguards continued to beat him even after Dee left the unit, and that he was subjected to further degrading treatment.

“Ilang beses akong tumumba sa upuan, pero kahit anong makaawa ko wala na ako sa kanila. Tapos noong umalis si Ma’am may puntahan siya, tuloy-tuloy pa rin akong binugbog ng mga bodyguard niya. Mga kasama ko sa trabaho yan sila, hindi po sila naawa sa akin,” Baro said.

VACC president Boy Evangelista said Baro sought the group’s assistance to ensure his complaint would be formally investigated and to help him pursue accountability for the alleged abuses.

The complaint filed before the NBI includes accusations of illegal detention, serious physical injuries, and acts amounting to torture.

In response, the lawyers of Ramos, Dee, and Panlilio released a statement saying their clients had yet to receive a copy of the complaint filed with the NBI. They did not issue further comment on the allegations, citing the need to review the formal charges once served.

As of this writing, the NBI has not released details on the status of the complaint or whether a preliminary investigation has been initiated. Authorities have also not disclosed if summons have been issued to the respondents.

The case has drawn public attention due to the gravity of the allegations and the high-profile personalities involved.

Officials stressed that the claims remain allegations and that all parties are entitled to due process as investigators determine whether criminal charges will be filed.