Neri Naig on being detained, labeled as ‘scammer’: ‘A nightmare’
Neri Naig. Image: Instagram/@mrsnerimiranda
Neri Naig said she still could not believe that she became one of the “most wanted” individuals in the country, describing her recent ordeal as a “nightmare” she would never forget.
Weeks after the syndicated estafa and securities violation cases against her were dismissed, Naig spoke up on the matter for the first time via her Instagram page on Friday, March 21.
The cases stemmed from the alleged investment scam involving the skincare company Dermacare, which Naig endorsed prior.
“Hindi ko talaga inakala na mapapasama ako sa Most Wanted sa Pilipinas. Tinawag akong magnanakaw, manloloko, at scammer,” she began. “Never naman akong nagtago… I have always been visible, hindi lang sa social media.”
“I know many of you are waiting for me to tell my side of the story. When the time is right, I will,” she continued. “O kung kailangan pa bang ikwento ang lahat—mula sa pagdakip sa akin, sa kahihiyan, sa pagkakadetain, at sa agarang paglipat sa BJMP, kung saan dali-dali akong pinasuot ng yellow uniform.”
Naig was referring to when she was arrested in November 2024 and was detained for charges of estafa. She was released Dec. 4.
“But for now, let me just say this: It was a nightmare. Isang pagsubok at bangungot na hindi ko kailanman malilimutan,” she said.
Naig underscored that she chose to stay silent amid the “labels, ridicule and judgment” to prevent herself from saying things she does not mean. “I refuse to let anger or hurt define me.”
“Some celebrated my lowest point, ginawa pa akong content para pagkakitaan. They judged me, questioned me, and discredited my hard work,” she lamented.
“But there were those who stood by me, defended me, and lifted me up without asking for anything in return—I see you, I appreciate you, and I hope one day, I can do the same for you,” she stressed.
She then expressed her gratitude to those who extended their prayers and well-wishes for her and her family, declaring that “goodness still exists in the world.”
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Naig also dedicated an open letter to her husband, Parokya ni Edgar frontman Chito Miranda, whom she regards as the “hero” of her life.
“It was a rollercoaster of emotions, at sobrang kapit ko sayo dahil bagsak na bagsak ako. Pero yung pagmamahal mo, ‘yun ang nagbigay sa akin ng pag-asa,” she said. “Hindi ka sumuko at umuwi hanggat hindi mo ako kasamang umuwi sa mga bata.”
“Life moves forward, and so will we,” she added. “Hindi man ako naging Wais sa sitwasyong ito, pero kailanman, never ako nanloko, nanlamang, or nagnakaw sa kahit sino.”
Naig concluded her post: “Your Most Wanted Wais na Misis, Neri Miranda.”
