Dermacare Owner Chanda Atienza Arrested After Malaysia Manhunt
CHANDA ATIENZA – The businesswoman and alleged owner/operator of Dermacare – Beyond Skincare Solutions, is facing 38 arrest warrants over multiple cases linked to the company.
Atienza and her sister, Venus Gonda, were arrested in Malaysia on August 21, 2026, after authorities tracked them down in connection with alleged investment fraud. The sisters were returned to the Philippines on September 5 and arrested upon arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said the sisters face cases involving alleged violations of the Securities Regulation Code, syndicated estafa, violations of the Bouncing Checks Law, and swindling. The warrants were issued by various courts in Quezon City, Pasay, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Isabela, Pampanga, Cebu, and Bulacan.
Of the 38 warrants, one is for service of sentence involving the older sister, while four have no recommended bail. The remaining 33 warrants carry a combined bail of ₱1.967 million.
According to the CIDG, the sisters allegedly solicited investments for Dermacare. Although the company is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, its registered activities mainly cover beauty, skincare, and related services. Authorities said its registration does not specifically authorize it to solicit or accept investments from the public.
The controversy has also involved personalities such as Rufa Mae Quinto and Neri Naig, who were reportedly among those affected by the alleged investment scheme. Quinto has reportedly declined to comment on Atienza’s arrest.
Freda Luz Singson, who said she was among the alleged victims, helped authorities locate the sisters in Malaysia. She welcomed their arrest and expressed hope that the victims would recover their money and receive justice.
The CIDG said the arrests reflect its efforts to track down wanted individuals and hold alleged offenders accountable. Atienza and Gonda will face the charges in court and will have the opportunity to present their defenses.
