Neri Naig Shares Her Experience of Being Arrested for Estafa
NERI NAIG – Former actress and businesswoman Neri Naig candidly opens up about her arrest for estafa, sharing her personal experience and the lessons she learned from the ordeal.
Neri Naig has finally spoken out after weeks of silence regarding the legal battle she faced. Earlier this March, the Pasay courts dismissed the syndicated estafa and Securities Regulation Code violation charges filed against her.
Taking to Instagram on Friday, Neri shared images of her detainment in November 2024, where she was escorted by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology personnel. She also posted a statement from her legal team confirming the dismissal of the charges.
Neri expressed her disbelief at being included in the Philippines’ “Most Wanted” list.
“Tinawag akong magnanakaw, manloloko, at scammer. Never naman akong nagtago. Palagi nga akong nasa palengke, sa mga talks, at kahit saan pa—I have always been visible, hindi lang sa social media,” she wrote.
Reflecting on her ordeal, she described it as a nightmare she would never forget. However, she chose to remain silent despite the judgment and harsh labels thrown at her.
“I’ve learned that when we are in pain, it’s easy to say things we don’t mean. Pero hindi ako ‘yun. I refuse to let anger or hurt define me,” Neri declared.
She acknowledged that while some people found joy in her struggles, others stood by her, offering unwavering support and encouragement. She expressed deep gratitude to those who defended her.
“Minsan, pakiramdam natin, hindi tayo pinapansin ni Lord kasi sunod-sunod ang pagsubok. Pero minsan, He’s just busy fixing things behind the scenes. And in every storm, He sends His Army of Angels. This time, kayo ‘yun,” she said.
In the comments, Neri also praised her husband, Chito Miranda, for standing by her side throughout the ordeal.
“Sabi mo, mababait pa rin ang mga tao, kahit hindi ko iyon makita sa mga panahon na ‘yun. Life moves forward, and so will we,” she wrote.
The legal controversy stemmed from the bouncing checks issued by Dermacare Beyond Skin Care Solutions to investors after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) flagged the company as unauthorized to solicit investments. Although Neri was a franchisee and endorser of Dermacare in 2020, she had already cut ties with the company by September 2023.
With the case now dismissed, Neri looks forward to moving on from this chapter, determined to rise above the pain and controversy.
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