VACC contests dismissal of raps vs Rhian Ramos, Michelle Dee, Samantha Panlilio

Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption lawyer Argel Joseph Cabatbat filed a motion on Wednesday, Sept. 23, asking the Makati City prosecutor's office to reconsider its dismissal of the illegal detention and torture complaints filed by Bonifacio Baro against actress Rhian Ramos and beauty queens Michelle Dee and Samantha Panlilio. 

Baro previously worked as Ramos' driver. On Sept. 14, the Makati prosecutor's office junked Baro's complaints of illegal detention, unlawful arrest, and physical injuries against the respondents following an alleged incident in January.  

Through Cabatbat, VACC requested the inhibition of the prosecutors who handled the case, asking the Department of Justice to appoint an independent panel to go over the complaints again.

The group said the panel ought to review a statement made by Dee and another one made by a condominium security officer, as well as CCTV footage. VACC said these could support Baro's testimony that he was intercepted and returned to the condominium unit. 

In a barangay blotter, Dee reportedly said Baro "made an attempt on his escape" but was later "caught and brought back to my condo unit."

VACC wondered why the actions described by Dee were necessary if Baro was free to leave. 

In a TV Patrol interview on Jan. 28, Baro said he was detained for three days in a condo unit after being accused of stealing Ramos' sensitive photos.

"Dami po ginawa sa 'kin. Pinarusahan niya ako. Hinubaran niya 'ko. Binuhusan niya 'ko ng alcohol," Baro said. 

To escape, he said he slipped out the window of the unit, which was on the 39th floor, but Ramos' two bodyguards caught him and brought him back inside. 

A day after Baro's interview, Dee and Ramos' legal counsel dismissed Baro's allegations, saying his claims were "physically impossible."

On May 13, Baro formally filed charges against Ramos, Dee, and Panlilio.