7 Filipino Celebrities Who Have Spoken Out Against Physical Abuse
Physical abuse in a relationship often starts gradually, such as a push or a slap, and it becomes worse over time. Most people in abusive relationships think twice before speaking up or going to the authorities, and who can blame them? They're scared, and they feel helpless. It's also disheartening to note that even when one decides to speak up and file legal action against their abusers, most cases take years to solve.
Over the last few years, a number of Filipino celebrities who experienced physical abuse spoke up about what they went through. It's time to revisit their stories.
Ana Jalandoni
Ana Jalandoni held nothing back and narrated the events leading up to the assault she received on March 17. In a two-part interview with Boy Abunda, the actress tearfully recounted the events while putting the spotlight on physical abuse.
Janella Salvador
On October 24, 2018, in an interview for The Philippine Star with Ricky Lo, Janella Salvador claimed that Elmo Magalona physically hurt her while under the influence of alcohol. When it first happened, she forgave him and he promised that he wouldn’t do it again. However, it did happen again, this time during a party hosted by Janella’s friend. Janella said, “For two years, I focused on Elmo and myself. This time, I am giving more attention to myself. He hurt me and I cannot, can never tolerate that.”
Sunshine Cruz
In her tell-all interview with PEP, Sunshine Cruz detailed a long history of emotional abuse and incidents of physical abuse throughout her marriage to Cesar Montano. Sunshine also claimed that she was attacked and raped by Cesar on Mother’s Day 2013—a claim which he denies. Their annulment was granted in September 2018 and Sunshine has filed cases against Cesar. Here's what Sunshine said about her ex-husband: "Kung meron mang pinagpapasalamat sa kanya—lumakas ako, naging matapang, natuto akong lumaban, hindi ko nagagawa yun noon! At, siyempre, binigyan niya ako ng tatlong mga anak."
Ruffa Gutierrez
Ruffa Gutierrez opened up about her experience as a battered wife on the television show Rated K on March 8, 2009. The television host and former beauty queen shared that despite the fact that her former husband Yilmaz Bektas physically abused her, she was afraid to go to the police since she was living in a foreign country. The couple got divorced in 2007. Ruffa's advice? "Importanteng mahalin mo ang sarili mo. If something happens—kung sinasaktan ka—it's best to speak out. Call a friend. Call anyone and get help."
Barbie Imperial
In a series of now-deleted social media posts, actress Barbie Imperial shared alarming photos of her body with bruises. She also posted a tweet on July 14, 2018 saying, "Girls, just because mahal niyo ang isang tao pero sinasaktan kayo physically, hindi pwedeng patuloy 'yan. HINDI TAMA MANAKIT NG BABAE PHYSICALLY." After deleting the controversial posts, Barbie tweeted the words, "Be strong."
Jennylyn Mercado
On December 2014, actress and proud single mom Jennylyn Mercado shared that she suffered severe physical abuse from her stepfather when she was a child and it came to a point where her aunt had to take her away from their home to protect her. Recalling the painful memories, Jennylyn shared that there were times when she wouldn't be able to get out of bed, that she was literally black and blue. "Yung likod ko pinaplantsa tapos pinapaso ako ng cigarette. Tapos kapag pinaso na niya ako ng cigarette, di ba lolobo siya, pipisain niya iyon. Gusto talaga niya nang nakakasakit, ganon,” she said.
Claudine Barretto
In 2013, Claudine Barretto revealed that her ex Raymart Santiago had been abusing her since 2002. She filed a case against him, detailing Raymart's "physical, sexual, psychological, and economic" abuse, with photos showing her wounds and medical certificates as proof. According to PEP, Claudine declared, "My life with [Raymart] was a vicious cycle of violence, abuse, battery, and exploitation. During the years I have been with him, I have been in constant fearful state of mind, because I was repeatedly abused and controlled over a period of time. Now, it's time, with all my horrendous experiences in the hands of my husband... Today, I am breaking my silence. I have decided to stop and end the abuse and violence and make my husband criminally and civilly liable for all his actions."
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, please call the Department of Social Welfare and Development at (02)931-8101 to 07.
From: Cosmopolitan Philippines
