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Advocates Philippines
Vargas Files Case Against Parents Of Alleged Bully
Photo credit: Alfred Vargas
Taking a firm stand against bullying, Alfred Vargas and his wife Yasmine have filed a criminal complaint against the parents of a minor accused of repeatedly harming their son during swimming activities.
The complaint, filed before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Manila, names Juvelle Bacosa and Robert Vincent Sy as respondents for alleged violation of Section 10(a) of Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
According to the complaint, the respondents’ child allegedly engaged in a pattern of harmful behavior, including repeatedly pushing and holding the Vargas couple’s son underwater during swimming training sessions, which the family described as dangerous and distressing.
The couple said the incidents happened multiple times despite their efforts to address the issue directly with the parents. They alleged that their concerns were dismissed and, at times, not taken seriously.
Vargas also recounted an incident involving what he described as inappropriate physical behavior that deeply affected their child.
“Mayroon pa ngang ginawa yung bully na hindi talaga appropriate at sobrang sakit sa kalooban namin… ‘He’s just dancing!’,” Vargas said, recalling how the incident was allegedly brushed off when reported to the other parent.
“Every time we go to the parents to try to resolve these issues, we were either dismissed or gaslighted,” he added.
The situation, according to Vargas, escalated during a swimming competition at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex last February. He said he and several others witnessed the minor allegedly pushing his son near the pool during the warm-up period, nearly causing injury just before the event.
He added that after the incident, other children allegedly laughed at his son, leaving the child shaken and emotionally distressed.
Vargas further claimed that when he raised the matter again, it was brushed aside, and that misleading content about the situation was later posted online.
In their complaint, the Vargas couple argued that the respondents failed in their legal duty under the Family Code to properly supervise and discipline their child, despite alleged prior knowledge of similar incidents.
They said this failure allowed harmful behavior to continue, which may constitute child abuse under Section 10(a) of RA 7610. The law penalizes acts that cause psychological or emotional suffering, even in the absence of physical injury.
“Bullying is not normal. It is not harmless. It is not acceptable… Kaya ngayon, pinili naming lumaban. Hindi para maghiganti kundi para manindigan para sa anak ko at para sa lahat ng batang natatakot magsalita,” Vargas said.
Vargas has previously raised concerns about bullying and parental accountability in public discussions and has expressed support for stronger anti-bullying measures in schools.
By filing the case, the couple said they hope to encourage other families to speak out and take action.
“Kung ikaw ay naging biktima ng bullying… hindi tayo pwedeng manatiling tahimik. This is where it stops,” Vargas said.
As of writing, the respondents have yet to issue a public statement.
The complaint, filed before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Manila, names Juvelle Bacosa and Robert Vincent Sy as respondents for alleged violation of Section 10(a) of Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
According to the complaint, the respondents’ child allegedly engaged in a pattern of harmful behavior, including repeatedly pushing and holding the Vargas couple’s son underwater during swimming training sessions, which the family described as dangerous and distressing.
The couple said the incidents happened multiple times despite their efforts to address the issue directly with the parents. They alleged that their concerns were dismissed and, at times, not taken seriously.
Vargas also recounted an incident involving what he described as inappropriate physical behavior that deeply affected their child.
“Mayroon pa ngang ginawa yung bully na hindi talaga appropriate at sobrang sakit sa kalooban namin… ‘He’s just dancing!’,” Vargas said, recalling how the incident was allegedly brushed off when reported to the other parent.
“Every time we go to the parents to try to resolve these issues, we were either dismissed or gaslighted,” he added.
The situation, according to Vargas, escalated during a swimming competition at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex last February. He said he and several others witnessed the minor allegedly pushing his son near the pool during the warm-up period, nearly causing injury just before the event.
He added that after the incident, other children allegedly laughed at his son, leaving the child shaken and emotionally distressed.
Vargas further claimed that when he raised the matter again, it was brushed aside, and that misleading content about the situation was later posted online.
In their complaint, the Vargas couple argued that the respondents failed in their legal duty under the Family Code to properly supervise and discipline their child, despite alleged prior knowledge of similar incidents.
They said this failure allowed harmful behavior to continue, which may constitute child abuse under Section 10(a) of RA 7610. The law penalizes acts that cause psychological or emotional suffering, even in the absence of physical injury.
“Bullying is not normal. It is not harmless. It is not acceptable… Kaya ngayon, pinili naming lumaban. Hindi para maghiganti kundi para manindigan para sa anak ko at para sa lahat ng batang natatakot magsalita,” Vargas said.
Vargas has previously raised concerns about bullying and parental accountability in public discussions and has expressed support for stronger anti-bullying measures in schools.
By filing the case, the couple said they hope to encourage other families to speak out and take action.
“Kung ikaw ay naging biktima ng bullying… hindi tayo pwedeng manatiling tahimik. This is where it stops,” Vargas said.
As of writing, the respondents have yet to issue a public statement.
Apr 13, 2026
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