GMA contractors named in Sandro Muhlach issue release statement

CEBU, Philippines — The two GMA independent contractors identified in the issue involving actor Sandro Muhlach have issued a statement through their lawyer.

In the "24 Oras" report aired Thursday, lawyer Maggie Abraham-Garduque sent a statement in behalf of her clients Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz.

Cruz and Nones have yet to receive a copy of the formal complaint.

"Our clients are deeply saddened by the serious allegations hurled against them circulating on social media. And though these allegations do not mirror the true accounts of the event, we would like to reserve the right to respond in a proper forum when we receive a copy of the formal complaint," the statement read.

"For the meantime, we urge the public to respect the investigation being conducted on this case and we advise people who have no personal knowledge of the incident to refrain from posting baseless defamatory allegations and therefore unfairly subjecting both parties to publicity trial," it added.

GMA released statements regarding this incident, saying that it has already initiated its own investigation.

Actor Niño Muhlach in a text message to GMA News said that they are in the process of filing a criminal case. "Tinatapos lang po namin i-file criminal case then I'll talk," he said. (CEBU NEWS)