Sandro Muhlach’s alleged abusers deny ‘malicious’ charges in counter-affidavit

September 12, 2024 , 09:22 PM

By Gabriel Kim Leal

Trigger warning: This article mentions rape and sexual abuse.

(September 12, 2024) – The two media executives accused of molesting actor Sandro Muhlach filed a counter-affidavit on Thursday before the Department of Justice (DOJ) in response to the rape and sexual assault charges filed against them.

Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz, both “independent contractors” of GMA, denied the accusations, citing the lack of evidence.

“We vehemently deny this baseless and malicious accusation against us and we move for the outright dismissal of this complaint,” read the counter-affidavit.

The 23-year-old Muhlach came face-to-face with Nones and Cruz for the first time since the alleged incident last July 21. It reportedly happened after the GMA Gala Night at a hotel in Pasay.

The DOJ confirmed that Muhlach’s complaint was also submitted today for resolution.

Nones and Cruz argued that there was no “testimonial evidence” that a “penis or object/instrument was inserted in his mouth or anal orifice.” They also refuted Muhlach’s claim that a tongue is “considered an object.”

“Kailangan sa rape, merong force intimidation, at (kung) deprived ba siya (biktima) ng reason or unconscious,” said Atty. Maggie Abraham-Garduque, the lawyer of Nones and Cruz.

Muhlach’s father, former child star Niño Muhlach, was also present at the DOJ. He shared that his son cried in anger upon seeing his alleged abusers.

Last August 18, the younger Muhlach testified remotely before the Senate, recounting the events of the alleged incident. He said he went to the room of Nones and Cruz, who were both drunk. Nones allegedly gave him wine and a P500 bill before bringing out a “white substance.”

He said Nones pulled him onto the bed, where Cruz removed his shirt and began sucking his nipples. He added that his pants were pulled down by Nones.

Throughout the hearing, Nones invoked his right against self-incrimination. He was eventually cited for contempt by Sen. Jinggoy Estrada.

Cruz didn’t attend the hearing. He was present at the inquiry last August 12.

Both Estrada and Sen. Robin Padilla said they believe there is strong evidence against the two suspects.

“Malinaw na sa aming pagkakaintindi na ito ay makakarating dapat sa dapat karatingan,” said Padilla, who chairs the panel on public information and mass media.

(With reports from Ria Fernandez, News5)

(PM)

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