Ang Bandang Shirley Says Goodbye After 22 Years
ANG BANDANG SHIRLEY – The Filipino indie pop-rock band has officially disbanded following serious allegations against its lead vocalist and guitarist, Ean Aguila.
On February 19, 2025, band members Debb Acebu, Miggy Abesamis, Kathy Gener, and Paolo Arciga announced their departure, effectively dissolving the group. Their decision stemmed from allegations of s*xual misconduct against Ean, which they stated they could neither tolerate nor ignore.
According to their statement, the allegations resurfaced in January 2025, bringing new information to light and significantly affecting the band. They urged Ean to take full responsibility for his actions, and after making his own statement, he chose to leave the band. The remaining members supported this decision and expressed hope for healing among all parties involved.
Following Ean’s departure, the remaining members decided to end Ang Bandang Shirley entirely, thanking their fans for 22 years of support.
The controversy reignited when a fan came forward, alleging she had been groomed by Ean when she was 17 years old and he was 30. In an Instagram post, she shared that she had admired the band and was thrilled when Ean engaged with her music online in 2013, leading to a relationship. At the time, she believed she was mature enough, but by 2023, she realized she had been manipulated.
This was not the first time Ean faced accusations. In 2017, an X (formerly Twitter) user accused him and fellow band members Owel Alvero and Joe Fontanilla of predatory behavior and s*xual misconduct. The three denied the allegations but acknowledged contributing to a toxic culture.
Formed in 2003 by Ean and Owel, Ang Bandang Shirley gained a strong following with songs like “Nakauwi Na”, “Umaapaw”, and “Isip at Kamalayan”. Their legacy ends amid a controversy that has shaken both the band and its supporters.