Ang Bandang Shirley announces disbandment

TRIGGER WARNING: Mentions of sexual harassment, grooming

Ang Bandang Shirley will no longer continue as a band, they announced on their social media pages Wednesday.

The announcement comes after past allegations against founding member, guitarist, and vocalist Ean Aguila, resurfaced in January.

“This January, past allegations towards Ean resurfaced with new information, which has significantly affected the band and the members,” Ang Bandang Shirley wrote. They did not specify what kind of allegations or who made them.

“Let it be known that we strongly do not condone his behavior, and we urged him to take full responsibility for his actions. He made a statement and eventually decided to quit the band,” they added.

“We support this decision, and we sincerely hope for the healing of all parties involved.”

The rest of the band members—vocalist Debb Acebu, bassist Paolo Arciga, drummer Miggy Abesamis, and manager Kathy Gener—"have decided not to continue as a band.”

“This is the end for Ang Bandang Shirley. We thank you for all your support and for listening to our music throughout the years,” the band said.

Allegations of predatory behavior and sexual abuse against Ean, as well as guitarists Owel Alvero and Joe Fontanilla were first unveiled in 2017.

In a joint 2017 statement, Ean as well as guitarists Owel Alvero and Joe Fontanilla "categorically denied any insinuations of predatory behavior or sexual abuse."

At that time, Ean said he wanted to be open in talking about sex, as well as his urges and feelings, but “This has resulted in making borderline-crass and inappropriate statements and I realize now that I have to change my ways. I have learned my lesson the hard way.”

A statement from Owel, Ean, Joe and the band pic.twitter.com/5V3xRoJW0O

— Ang Bandang Shirley (@thebandshirley) November 24, 2017

— Nika Roque/LA, GMA Integrated News