Alfred Vargas, wife Yasmine file complaint vs parents of minor who allegedly bullied their son

Alfred Vargas and his wife Yasmine filed a complaint against the parents of a minor who allegedly bullied and abused their son during swimming training.

The couple said the parents violated the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act and failed in their legal duty under the Family Code to supervise and discipline their child.

In a post on his social media accounts, the actor and Quezon City councilor said the alleged bullying incidents occurred despite "efforts, reminders, and appeals" they made to the parents to tell their child to stop.

"Every time we go to the parents to try to resolve these issues, we were either dismissed or gaslighted," he said.

One of the incidents allegedly happened during a swimming competition in February, when the minor pushed their son at the side area of the pool during warm-ups and nearly caused an injury. Vargas said this was witnessed by him and several people.

The minor and two others laughed at his son while he was on the ground and caused him "severe fear and emotional distress." 

Vargas said the mother of the minor pretended that nothing happened when he brought it to her attention.

"Bilang ama, may isang bagay na hindi mo kayang tiisin: ang makita ang anak mo na inaapi," he said. "Hindi ito simpleng 'away ng bata.' Hindi ito bagay na dapat palampasin."

"Bullying is not normal. It is not harmless. It is not acceptable. Maaari sanang maiwasan ang insidente na ito kung hindi napabayaan ang bata ng magulang. Kaya ngayon, pinili naming lumaban. Hindi para maghiganti kundi para manindigan para sa anak ko at para sa lahat ng batang natatakot magsalita," he added.

Actress Yasmien Kurdi, who also filed a bullying complaint on behalf of her daughter Ayesha last year, left a message of support on Instagram.

"This is really heartbreaking, but also a wake-up call. I know how this feels, the pain and anxiety for the whole family. We've been through it, and it's not easy seeing your child go through that," she said.

"Mas masakit pa when parents are already informed but choose to dismiss or even laugh it off instead of correcting their child. That kind of response only makes things worse," she added.

Yasmien said she is praying for the Vargas family and wished them strength.

"This is why taking a stand matters! Accountability is the only way it stops," she said. "Every child deserves to feel safe and protected." —MGP, GMA News