Photo from Sandro Muhlach’s Instagram account. 

MANILA — Actor Sandro Muhlach has released a statement on his Instagram story, opening up about his experience as a survivor of sexual assault and abuse.

Muhlach’s statement followed the Department of Justice’s formal filing of cases against two independent contractors of GMA Network, Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz, in connection with the alleged abuse against Muhlac

In his message, Muhlach expressed the challenges he faced in sharing his story and the additional pain caused by public skepticism and online harassment.

“It was very difficult for me to tell my story — to come forward and tell the public that I was sexually assaulted and abused,” Muhlach wrote.

He described the fear that many victims experience, a fear that was realized when he faced harsh online bullying and criticism after coming forward.

“’Yung mga kinakatakutan mangyari ng mga biktima, nangyari sa akin. In addition to the trauma that I suffered from being sexually assaulted and abused, I also had to endure online bullying and harsh and cruel criticisms,” he shared.

Muhlach added that he was accused of lying due to a lack of evidence, which compounded his emotional struggle.

“Napakaraming masasakit na salita ang sinabi tungkol sa akin, at pinipilit na ako pa raw ang nagsisinungaling dahil wala akong ebidensya,” he continued.

However, despite the adversity, Muhlach emphasized that he didn’t lose hope and was ultimately validated by the justice system.

“Finally, our justice system has acknowledged the truth,” he affirmed.

In a message to fellow survivors, Muhlach encouraged them to stand firm and resist those who try to silence them.

“For all the rape and sexual abuse victims out there, ‘wag nating hayaang manalo ang mga nagsamantala at bumaboy sa atin. ‘Wag nating hayaan na patahimikin nila tayo. Tayo ang biktima. Tayo ang inabuso. Tayo rin ang papanigan ng katotohanan,” he concluded, urging others to find strength in speaking their truth.