Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Marquez Dee parades around a mall in Pasay City on December 10, 2023, weeks after reaching the top 10 in the Miss Universe 2023. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File
MANILA — The Makati City Prosecutor's Office has reportedly dismissed the complaint filed by Bonifacio "Totoy" Baro against actress and beauty queen Michelle Dee, actress Rhian Ramos and beauty queen Samantha Panlilio over alleged assault and illegal detention.
Baro, a former driver of Ramos, had accused three of slight illegal detention, slight physical injuries, maltreatment and unlawful arrest stemming from a dispute allegedly involving a red envelope containing sensitive photographs.
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Baro claimed the respondents refused to allow him to leave the condominium unit until he surrendered the missing photographs.
Michelle Dee's camp welcomed the dismissal, saying the complaint against their clients was without merit from the outset.
"We are very happy with the resolution," Atty. Maggie Garduque said, maintaining that the complaint was "bereft of merit" from the beginning.
"In the end, justice and truth prevail," Garduque added.
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The Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC), however, said it will challenge the dismissal, calling the resolution "questionable."
The group said its review showed that key evidence and substantial bases may have been overlooked or not given proper weight in the prosecutor's decision.
VACC said it will support Baro in filing a Motion for Reconsideration and pursue all available legal remedies, including elevating the case to the Supreme Court if necessary.