24-9-2024 (MANILA) In a brave revelation that has sent ripples through the Philippine entertainment industry and beyond, Kapuso actor Dustin Yu has courageously shared his traumatic experience of sexual harassment at the hands of a police officer. The incident, which occurred when Yu was merely 18 years old, has reignited discussions about sexual misconduct and abuse of power in the country.
Yu, now a recognised face in Philippine television and cinema, first disclosed the disturbing encounter during an interview in November 2023. The actor recounted how, during his maiden journey on the Manila Metro Rail Transit (MRT), he fell victim to an appalling act of sexual harassment by a uniformed policeman.
“It was my first time on the MRT, and I was simply holding onto the metal bars,” Yu recalled. “Suddenly, this policeman in full uniform inserted his hand into my pocket.” The actor went on to describe how the officer proceeded to grope his private parts, leaving him trembling with fear and shock.
The incident left a profound impact on Yu, who admitted it took him approximately 18 months to recover from the trauma. “I was paralysed with fear because he was a policeman, and I was just a young lad,” Yu explained, highlighting the power imbalance that often silences victims of such abuse.
At a recent “Regal Legacy” event on 21 September, Yu revisited his experience in light of recent sexual abuse allegations made by fellow actor Sandro Muhlach. Expressing empathy for Muhlach, Yu stated, “I feel for him deeply. While I’m not privy to all the details, I sincerely hope he didn’t have to endure what I did.”
Yu’s decision to speak out has been praised by many as a courageous step towards breaking the silence surrounding sexual harassment, particularly when perpetrated by those in positions of authority. The actor admitted that at the time, fear prevented him from reporting the incident to the authorities. However, he now asserts that he would react differently if faced with a similar situation today.
“I’ve grown to understand what’s right and wrong, and I’ve learned from that harrowing experience,” Yu affirmed. “I will never allow such an incident to occur again without speaking up and defending myself.”
Known for his roles in popular TV series such as “Black Rider” and “Mano po Legacy: The Family Fortune,” as well as the film “Shake Rattle & Roll Extreme,” Yu’s revelation has sparked a broader conversation about the prevalence of sexual harassment in Philippine society and the need for systemic changes to protect vulnerable individuals.
