Vhong Navarro files cases vs Lee, Cornejo, et al

MANILA -- Actor-host Vhong Navarro has filed cases against the group of businessman Cedric Lee, who allegedly attacked him inside a condominium unit in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig last week.

Navarro's legal counsel, Atty. Alma Mallonga, confirmed with DZMM on Tuesday that they formalized the complaints at around 5 p.m.

Lee, sibling Bernice Lee, and model Deniece Cornejo are now facing cases for serious physical injuries, illegal detention, grave threats, unlawful arrest and grave coercion and blackmail.

Mallonga confirmed several others are facing charges.

The lawyer said included in the cases are "the most important evidence, which is Vhong's statement, the medico-legal report, the statements of the security guards, and, of course, the CCTV footage is already there."

"Hindi pa siya kumpleto. But to me, the case, the evidence that will be used, is already there. I'm very happy. Vhong is relieved," she said.

According to Mallonga, the most "essential" evidence backing Navarro's charges is the CCTV footage, which purportedly shows those who were accused in the mauling incident last January 22.

"When you see the CCTV footage, if ever you get to see it at the proper time, you will be appalled by the brazenness of the named perpetrators of this crime, and even more by the psychotic ability to say with a straight face na ganito ang nangyari," the lawyer said.

Navarro has accused Lee, Cornejo and five others of attacking him inside a condominium unit in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, leaving him with serious injuries including a broken nose that required reconstructive surgery.

Earlier on Tuesday, Lee accused Navarro of "twisting the facts," saying the host's account of the incident is an exaggeration. Cornejo, meanwhile, maintained that Navarro attempted to rape her and will file the appropriate legal case against him.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Vhong a 'victim of injustice,' says lawyer

MANILA - The camp of Vhong Navarro said it is studying its possible legal steps in relation to the attack on the actor-host last Wednesday, which left him with serious injuries.

In a statement given to ABS-CBN News on Saturday, Navarro's legal counsel Atty. Alma Mallonga said "it is clear that [the actor-host] is a victim of injustice."

"We are studying his legal options, but our main focus meantime is his full recovery," she said.

Navarro's manager, film director Chito Rono, earlier said the actor was beaten up by a group of men last Wednesday inside condominium unit in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig.

He said Navarro was invited by a female friend to the condominium unit, where the actor was allegedly tied up, blindfolded, threatened, and attacked by the group, who also allegedly extorted money from him.

Rono has refused to divulge further details.

Navarro's doctor, in the latest medical bulletin on his condition released Saturday, said the actor "had contusion hematoma around his eyes, forehead, chin and some parts of his extremities."

"He has broken bones in his nose which will require surgery," the doctor added. "We will continue his medications as of the moment and monitor for recovery."

Meanwhile, Taguig City Police chief Sr. Supt. Arthur Asis said it has launched an investigation into the incident. The group, Asis added, is checking whether there are any CCTV footage showing the incident, or any of those involved. With a report from Jeck Batallones, ABS-CBN News

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com