Trigger Warning: This article mentions sexual abuse, rape.
Sandro Muhlach is prepared to tell all, as he vows to expose the truth about an incident that took a toll on his well-being.
Weeks after news broke about the alleged sexual harassment by two high-level GMA Network contractors against Sandro, the 23-year-old actor now bravely stands in front of the public, firmly fighting for justice. On Instagram, Sandro wrote an emotional yet bold statement against his alleged perpetrators.
"What you did to me, it wrecked me," he began in his post. Sandro opened up about how he's been suffering from anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. "Hirap na hirap ako makatulog since it happened. Anxiety and PTSDs are hard to beat," he wrote.
More than seeking justice for himself, Sandro also seeks to spread awareness in the hopes of protecting more people from possible harassment. "Ayoko mangyari sa iba yung ginawa sakin. [...] Diring diri pa din ako sa sarili ko. Napakahirap tanggapin lahat ng ginawa sakin," Sandro achingly said.
Noting how hard his experience has been, Sandro shares his fight with all the victims of sexual abuse as well. "I will not be silenced. [...] Ang laban ko ay para din sa lahat ng inabuso. The truth will prevail," Sandro declared.
ALSO READ: GUIDE: Where To Go, What To Do After A Sexual Assault
Sandro Muhlach's sexual harassment controversy
Sandro's story came to light days after the GMA Gala 2024. Two independent contractors from GMA Network namely Jojo Nones and Richard "Dode" Cruz were accused of 'drugging and sexually assaulting' Sandro.
On August 2, 2024, after a series of cryptic posts and statements alluding to the news of Sandro's experience, Sandro, along with his father Niño Muhlach, filed a formal complaint with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Following the complaint, the two accused were suspended from their posts.
The Senate has since joined the probe, launching an investigation in aid of legislation. During the Senate hearing, the actor claimed that he met the accused sexual abusers during the recently held GMA Gala. He described that the two were already intoxicated at the time.
Sandor's attendance at the August 19 Senate hearing was also the day that he formally filed a rape complaint through sexual abuse and acts of lasciviousness against Jojo Nones and Dode Cruz at the Department of Justice (DOJ).
READ MORE: Sexual Assault Of A UP Diliman Student Raises Wake-Up Call To Review Security Policies
Jojo Nones has maintained his innocence, through a statament issued by his legal counsel, Atty. Maggie Abraham-Garduque.
"As regards the allegation that Jojo was lying, because he does not want to admit about the alleged drugs and sexual abuse, not only are these matters incriminating to him, therefore, his right against self-incrimination must be respected, but also because these are issues which the DOJ will investigate and decide," the lawyer said.
"Jojo cannot admit these matters because, according to him, these are not true. And kapag in-admit niya yun, as the committee wants him to do, mawawalan ng saysay ang preliminary investigation sa DOJ. Under the rules, the issue of whether or not they are liable for alleged sexual abuse through the use of illegal substances/drugs is the burden of Sandro to prove before the DOJ. It is the DOJ which should resolve whether or not there is reasonable certainty of conviction to indict our clients for sexual abuse and to file the case in court," Jojo's lawyer explained.
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Experiencing sexual assault is an incredibly difficult and traumatic experience. However, it is important to remember that you are not alone, and support is available to help you navigate the path to healing and seek justice. If you feel that you need counseling and/or legal advice for yourself or anyone else, please contact the Violence Against Women (VAW) Desk of the Philippine Commission on Women at (02) 8735-1654 or (02) 8736-5249. You can also reach out to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC) to file a complaint by calling (0966) 725-5961 (Globe) or (0919) 777-7377 (Smart). Here is a more complete list of hotlines you can reach out to for further assistance.
