Ang Bandang Shirley announced their disbandment on Wednesday, February 19, through a social media post.
The band stated that past allegations against Emmanuel “Ean” Aguila had significantly affected the band and its members.
In a statement, the band recalled allegations had resurfaced, with new information against the band’s vocalist and guitarist, Ean. With this, the band urged the member to take full responsibility for his actions.
“This January, past allegations towards Ean resurfaced with new information, which has significantly affected the band and the members. Let it be known that we strongly do not condone his behavior, and we urged him to take full responsibility for his actions,” the band said in a statement.
They further explained that Ean had issued a statement and ultimately decided to quit the band. The rest of the members supported the former’s decision and sincerely hoped for “the healing of all parties involved.”
Despite this, the band members said they had decided to quit, clarifying that it was the end for Ang Bandang Shirley.
“As for the rest of the band members, we 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,” signed Debb, Paolo, Miggy, and Kathy.
Ang Bandang Shirley’s announcement came after more information on Ean’s sexual misconduct surfaced online. The issue blew up in 2017 after a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter) claimed that the member was “fond of minors.”
At that time, Ean issued a statement, alongside two former members stating that they “deny any insinuations of predatory behavior and sexual abuse."
However, the band’s recent statement suggested that new information, along with screenshots of conversations with an underaged fan in the past, had circulated online.
Ang Bandang Shirley rose to prominence in the indie music scene in 2003. Their latest lineup consisted of the former on guitar and vocals, Debb Acebu on lead vocals, Joe Fontanilla on guitar and vocals, Paolo Aricga on bass, Miggy Aabseamis on drums, and Kathy Gener on vocals and the managerial role.
They are known for songs like “Nakauwi Na” and “Di Na Babalik.”
