For the first time since her arrest and brief detention in late 2024, former actress and entrepreneur Neri Naig Miranda has spoken up about what she described as one of the darkest and most humiliating chapters of her life.
In a heartfelt Instagram post on Thursday, March 21, Neri recounted her shock and emotional turmoil after being mistakenly included in the list of the Philippines’ “Most Wanted” individuals in relation to an alleged investment scam. The case led to her arrest and detention in November 2024.
“Hindi ko talaga inakala na mapapasama ako sa Most Wanted sa Pilipinas,” Neri wrote. “Tinawag akong magnanakaw, manloloko, at scammer.”
According to Neri, she never went into hiding and remained active in public—frequenting wet markets, giving talks, and staying visible on social media.
“Never naman akong nagtago,” she said. “Palagi nga akong nasa palengke, sa mga talks, at kahit saan pa.”
Neri’s emotional post came weeks after the Pasay City Regional Trial Court dismissed both the syndicated estafa and Securities Regulation Code violation charges filed against her. The resolution followed her earlier release in December 2024 after posting bail.
While she withheld the full details of her side for now, Neri described the entire experience as a “nightmare” and “a test of faith and resilience.”
“Some celebrated my lowest point and even used it for content,” she shared. “But there were those who stood by me, defended me, and lifted me up without asking for anything in return.”
She thanked her supporters, followers, and especially her husband, Parokya ni Edgar frontman Chito Miranda, for being her source of strength throughout the ordeal.
“To my husband—the hero of my life—thank you for never leaving my side since day one. Your love gave me hope,” she wrote.
Neri also took the opportunity to reaffirm her integrity, declaring: “Hindi man ako naging wais sa sitwasyong ito, pero kailanman, never ako nanloko, nanlamang, or nagnakaw sa kahit sino.”
She ended her message with a note of optimism and gratitude, saying she is slowly picking herself up from the fall:
“Unti-unti akong babangon—at makikita ang lesson na gustong ipakita ni Lord sa akin. Your Most Wanted Wais na Misis, Neri Miranda.”
Neri was previously a franchisee and endorser of Dermacare Beyond Skin Care Solutions, the company at the center of the controversy. She cut ties with the brand in September 2023, a year before the legal complaints were filed.
