Police confirms arrest of actress-businesswoman 'Erin' for estafa, securities regulation code violations

The Southern Police District (SPD) confirmed the arrest of an actress and businesswoman with the alias "Erin" for estafa and violation of the securities regulation code.

In a Facebook post on Nov. 26, the SPD said Erin, 41, was arrested at a basement convention center located in a mall in Pasay City on Nov. 23, Saturday, at 2:50 p.m.

As of Sept. 18, she's facing 14 counts of violation of Section 28 of Republic Act No. 8799 or the Securities Regulation Code. The section states that no person "shall engage in the business of buying or selling securities in the Philippines as a broker or dealer, or act as a salesman, or an associated person of any broker or dealer unless registered as such with the Commission."

Bail was set at P126,000 for each of the counts, the SPD noted.

Erin is also facing an estafa case in relation to Presidential Decree No. 1689, which increases the penalty for estafa "committed by a syndicate consisting of five or more persons formed with the intention of carrying out the unlawful or illegal act, transaction, enterprise or scheme."

A commitment order has been issued by the court, according to the SPD.

SPD's post came after showbiz insider Ogie Diaz, on the Nov. 24 episode of his Ogie Diaz Showbiz Update YouTube channel, reported the arrest of Neri Naig, the 41-year-old actress and businesswoman wife of Parokya ni Edgar frontman Chito Miranda.

“May nagpasa lang ng impormasyon na ito sa amin na last Nov. 23 ay inaresto ng Pasay City Police sa kasong paglabag sa Section 28 of the RA 8799 o ang tinatawag na the Securities and Regulations Code ng Securities and Exchange Commission ang aktres at tinaguriang ‘Wais na Misis’ na si Neri Naig Miranda,” Diaz said in the video partly titled, "NERI NAIG MIRANDA, BAKIT INARESTO?"

He noted that they were shocked to learn the news that Naig was allegedly a "top most wanted person."

“Di pa malinaw kung anong eksakto ang dahilan at kung sino ang mga nagrereklamo. Kung totoo man ito ay mas magandang mapakinggan din ang panig ni Neri," Diaz added.

Citing his source, Diaz said Naig appeared to have an issue with a business partner, which led to a falling out and the filing of cases.

"Sana ay mapakinggan natin ang bersiyon ni Neri at ng mga nagreklamo sa kaniya," he added.

The SPD's post originally used "alias Neri" at 7:33 p.m., but was edited to "Erin" at 8:06 p.m.

Naig was discovered after joining the reality show Star Circle Quest. She appeared in shows like Ang Panday, Sana Maulit Muli, Ysabella, and Imortal. She, however, has been focused on her business ventures in recent years. In 2022, she earned a business administration degree from the University of Baguio.

Naig has been married to Miranda since 2014. They share three children.

PhilSTAR L!fe reached out to Naig's camp for comment but has yet to receive a reply.