Amid harassment issues, Ahron Villena opens up about director's sexual misconduct

Trigger warning: Mention of sexual abuse

MANILA, Philippines — Actor Ahron Villena claimed that he was once sexually harassed by a film director he did not name amid the issue surrounding actor Sandro Muhlach and the two GMA Network contractors.

On his Facebook account, Ahron said the director took advantage of him as a newcomer in the showbiz industry.

"May nakita akong post nagsalita pala 'etong direktor na eto na matagal na daw nangyari 'yung mga ganoong scenario? Parang proud na proud ka pa. Eh kung sabihin ko kaya na isa ako do'n sa mga artistang naexploit at ikaw 'yun!" Ahron wrote.

"Tandang tanda ko 'yung kelangan ko mag-plaster sa eksena cameo role lang ako may tumutulong na sakin sa production pero pumasok ka sa CR at pinaalis mo sya. Ang sabi mo pa, 'Dapat hindi ka nagpapalagay sa kanila ako na dapat maglalagay niyan,'" he added.

Ahron claimed that the director then purposely brushed his hand against his private parts.

"Irerespeto kita bilang tao at direktor kasi magaling ka pero dahil baguhan pa lang ako noon oo lang ako nang oo kasi kelangan ko din kumita ng pera," he said.

"Malamang hindi mo na maalala kasi sigurado ako hindi lang ako ang ginawan mo ng gano'n."

It can be recalled that Ahron first revealed his experience in an interview with "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda" last March.

"Hindi kita pinangalanan kasi may respeto pa rin ako sayo. Kahit mga staff nagtatanong sakin, hindi ako nagsalita. Kaya sana tahimik kana lang din. Kahit noon or ngayon, never naman magiging tama 'yung gawaing ganun. Kung totoo man or hindi, hindi mo dapat itolerate 'yung mga ganung bagay," he said.