Through social media posts, actor-politician Alfred Vargas has expressed his gratitude to the many people who have shown support to his family amid their battle against the alleged bullying of their son. After the dismissal of the criminal complaint they filed, Alfred stated in his official release that he respected the decision and would remain mindful of due process, but that this would not prevent them from pursuing all available legal remedies.
The message comes amid the controversy that first surfaced after Alfred and his wife, Yasmine Vargas, publicly spoke about the alleged incidents involving their seven-year-old son during swimming training sessions and competitions. The couple previously claimed that their child had been repeatedly bullied, including allegations that he was pushed and held underwater. They later filed a criminal complaint against the parents of the child accused of bullying their son, as well as multiple cyberlibel complaints against individuals allegedly involved in online harassment targeting their family.
In an earlier interview with veteran journalist Karen Davila, the couple urged parents to speak up against bullying and emphasized that no child should suffer in silence. Alfred stressed that bullying can happen to anyone regardless of social status, while Yasmine admitted she struggled with the decision to go public because she feared the impact on their children.
More recently, Yasmine announced that the family had decided to withdraw their children from the Sharknado Swimming Club. She clarified that the alleged incidents did not occur inside their son’s school or during any school-related activity, but during swimming trainings and competitions outside the school setting. She said the decision was made after careful reflection and with their children’s welfare as the family’s top priority.
In a new statement, Alfred thanked those who stood by them throughout the ordeal.
“Labis-labis ang aming pasasalamat sa walang patid na mga mensahe ng suporta na aming natanggap at patuloy na natatanggap mula sa inyong lahat,” he said.
Alfred also revealed the emotional impact of a recent development in the case, admitting that he felt devastated after learning of the decision.
“Aaminin ko na nanlumo ako pagkabasa ko ng desisyon. Parang gumuho ang mundo ko. Naawa ako sa aking mga anak. Nahiya ako sa kanila. I felt like I failed them as a parent.”
The actor-politician then questioned whether justice would still be possible for his son, whom he said had repeatedly suffered because of the alleged bullying.
“Wala na ba kaming matatakbuhan? Wala na bang tutulong sa anak kong na biktima ng paulit-ulit na bullying?”
Emphasizing his son’s young age, Alfred spoke about the pain their family has endured throughout the controversy.
“Seven years old lang ang anak ko. Sinaktan siya ng paulit-ulit, binigyan ng trauma, namiligro ang buhay niya, ipinahiya sa harap ng maraming tao. Sinira ang kanyang dignidad. Tapos sasabihin na ‘away bata’ lang at wala na kaming magagawa? Paano na yung anak ko na biktima? Wala ba siyang karapatang mabuhay na ligtas at walang takot?”
Despite his disappointment, Alfred said the overwhelming support they received helped restore their family’s strength and resolve.
“But in our moment of doubt, all of you gave us clarity and purpose. You gave us strength. Nalaman namin na hindi kami nag-iisa.”
“Yasmine, my children, and I are overwhelmed with gratitude.”
According to Alfred, the messages of encouragement from supporters have inspired them to continue their advocacy against bullying and pursue what they believe is right.
“You have inspired us to continue working for the truth and for a safer community for our children.”
“We give back your love by pledging that we will not give up. We say no to bullying with greater determination. Itutuloy namin ang aming pagtutol at paglaban sa bullying.”
He concluded his statement by once again thanking those who have offered prayers, support, and encouragement to their family.
“From the bottom of our hearts, we deeply and sincerely thank you.”
“Maraming, maraming salamat sa inyong pagmamahal at panalangin.”
Despite the challenges they continue to face, the Vargas family has maintained that their primary focus remains the welfare, healing, and safety of their children while continuing to advocate for greater awareness and accountability in cases involving bullying.
