Vhong Navarro Leaving Showbiz for Good?

Image courtesy of www.abs-cbnnews.com

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Amid the controversy surrounding a January 22 incident where he was attacked, actor-host Vhong Navarro admitted that he miss entertaining his audience the most.

Speaking with Ted Failon on Saturday's episode of "Failon Ngayon," Navarro became emotional when asked on when or whether he'll be able to come back from the mauling incident, which left him severely injured.

"Kahit sobrang miss na miss ko na magpasaya ulit, magpatawa, ang hirap. Hindi ko pa po alam. Depende po sa sitwasyon at panahon," he said.

Navarro claimed that he was set up by model Deniece Cornejo for an extortion attempt led by businessman Cedric Lee. He detailed the attack, allegedly in the hands of at least six men inside a condominium unit.

The "It's Showtime" co-host said that he was blindfolded, tied up and was forced to "confess" that he raped Cornejo on video.

"Ang hirap po kasi 'ginawa sa iyo na tinape ka, binugbog ka, tinutukan ka ng baril, binababa 'yung pants mo, tapos nagtatawanan, tapos bigla pasasabihin ka pa ng mga hindi po mo ginawa. 'Yun po 'yung pambababoy na ginawa sa akin," Navarro said.

"Wala po akong time makalaban, especially may baril po 'yung isa sa mga kanila na kinasahan po ako," he added.

Navarro fears that his decision to go public with the ordeal and name the parties involved might endanger his children, Fredriek and Isaiah, saying he doubts that his family will be able to live a normal life after the controversy.

"Hindi ko po alam kung paano ako magsisimula ulit kasi sa nangyayari po sa buhay ko ngayon, parang pelikula ang dadanasin ko, kasi natatakot ako para sa mga anak ko," he said.

The actor, however, said that he remains steadfast in his decision to pursue the case in court, as it is his only way to console his children and to help prevent similar incidents from happening again.

"Gusto ko maging normal lang 'yung buhay nila. Kaya gusto ko maging matatag para makita nila. Ayaw kong nakikita nila na natatakot ako kasi 'yung una naming pagkikita gusto ko umiyak pero ayaw ko kasi kailangan nilang makita sa akin na kaya ko eh. Gusto ko alam nila na pag kaya ko, kaya rin nila," he said.

Navarro filed six criminal charges against Lee's group: serious physical injuries, grave threat, grave coercion, unlawful arrest, blackmail, and serious illegal detention, which is a non-bailable offense.

He also identified the other alleged attackers in a supplemental affidavit filed last Thursday: Zimmer Rance or Simeon Raz Junior, Ferdinand Guerrero, Jed Fernandez, JP Calma and Bernice Lee.

Cornejo, in her rape complaint filed against Navarro last January 29, alleged that she was "rescued" by Lee's group from being sexually assaulted by the actor, which supposedly led to the mauling.

Navarro denied the allegation, saying that the only sin he committed was against his non-showbiz girlfriend of five years.

Despite his wrongdoings, Navarro said that he is grateful for the second chance and support his partner has given him. Navarro also thanked his girlfriend for the sacrifice she is willing to make for him, saying that it gives him the courage to continue his fight.

"Everytime na binabanggit ko 'yung pangalan niya, naiiyak ako kasi malaki po talaga yung hinaharap niya ngayon na sakripisyo. Kaya nakakabilib po kasi sa lahat ng nagawa ko, nandiyan pa rin siya, hindi niya ako iniwan," he said.

"Wake up call 'ito sa akin na wag na akong lumandi."

The first preliminary investigation on the charges filed by both Navarro and Cornejo has been set on February 14, where the actor's two witnesses have been ordered to appear. A second hearing is scheduled on February 21.