Vhong Navarro’s home and family--including his girlfriend and sons--will be watched over by private security guards following the release of a CCTV footage video indicating that he was beaten, and death threats.
Navarro underwent several surgeries at a hospital after the attack, during which he was allegedly blackmailed by Cedric Lee and Deniece Cornejo. He is still recovering in the hospital.
The video backs up his story, as does text messages from Lee outlining the extortion attempt.
Private guards, as opposed to police officers, will provide security for Navarro, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II said. It’s unclear whether the government or Navarro is paying for the private security.
Roxas made the clarification after he said he granted a request by Navarro’s lawyer Dennis Manalo and manager Chito Roño to increase police presence in and around the actor’s residence, reported ABS-CBN.
The request was made because Navarro has been receiving death threats.
The arrangement was made during a meeting at Camp Crame on Friday that included himself, Manalo, Roño, and Leonardo Espina, chief of directorial staff at the Philippine National Police.
“During our meeting, they asked and we agreed to increase police visibility at his residence to address their concerns about his and his family’s safety,” Roxas said.
Security wasn’t mentioned for the hospital Navarro is still in. The location of the hospital has not been publicly disclosed.
Roxas also said that officials are looking into a possible violation of conditions of the gun license that he has.
Navarro said that during the extortion attempt, he was held at gunpoint.
“We will review their (Navarro’s camp) request to determine if there are any violations in relation to the licenses and/or permits to carry of the guns allegedly in the possession by the respondents in the incident currently under investigation,” Roxas said.
Roxas also said that possible lapses in protocol by the Southern Police District in its handling of Navarro’s case are being checked out.
MORE:
Deniece Millet Cornejo, Cedric Lee, and 3 Others in Vhong Attack Spotted at Ninoy Airport
Vhong Navarro: Cell Phone Turned Over to NBI; Includes Extortion Messages From Cedric Lee
