Niño Muhlach’s uncle held on trespassing raps

LIPA CITY, Batangas — The uncle of former child star Niño Muhlach and five others were detained at the Lipa City jail for qualified trespassing on the property of Cherrie Lou Muhlach here Tuesday night, police said.

Jose Fuentes, 52, is the half-brother of Niño’s father Alex, and caretaker of Alex’s three-hectare fruit farm in Barangay Mabini.

Claiming she owns the farm, Cherrie Lou, Alex’s common-law wife, filed a formal complaint against Fuentes with the police.

Senior Superintendent Antonio Atienza, Lipa City police chief, said his men entered the farm and arrested Fuentes based on documents presented by Cherrie Lou, who arrived from the United States last Sept. 7.

"As far as the documents presented, Cherrie Lou appeared to be the rightful controller of the farm since she is the president of the Aizer-Burns Corp.," Atienza said.

Alex and Cherrie Lou have separated after 20 years of co-habitation. They have three children.

The couple founded Aizer-Burns Corp. Alex was the firm’s president and director until he resigned in 1997 due to irreconcilable differences with the firm’s officers. Cherrie Lou took over Alex’s position.

Alex bought the land from Angela Ocampo in 1993 for P3.2 million and registered it under the company’s name.

"I own the land and she doesn’t have the right to do this," Alex told The STAR. "She even sold my Mercedes Benz by (forging) my signature. I’ll file all the necessary charges against her."

The STAR tried to get Cherrie Lou’s side but failed.

Fuentes and his co-workers were released on bail.