Concerns are mounting for the safety of young actor JM Ibarra following an alarming death threat circulating online.
The threat allegedly came from a fan of fellow Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11 alumni Fyang Smith and Jarren Garcia. The now-viral post, originally shared on the Facebook page JMFYANG ANGELS, stated: “Kung hindi mapupunta si Fyang kay Jarren, di rin siya mapupunta kay JM kasi sa June last show niya ‘yun. May gagawin kaming fandom para mawala si JM—nag-hire kami ng hitman para mawala ang tinik saming mga JarFyang si Tito Mak Mak niyo.”
The disturbing message reached Star Magic, the talent management arm of ABS-CBN, which promptly issued an official statement through Instagram:
“Star Magic does not tolerate threats, derogatory remarks, and other personal attacks made online against our artists. These acts have serious and damaging consequences, and we will take legal action, if necessary.”
In the comment section of the post, many netizens expressed outrage and concern over the extent of toxicity some fans are willing to reach.
The backlash highlights the growing issue of obsessive fan behavior and cyber aggression in the entertainment industry.
In a previous interview last March, Fyang Smith addressed rumors about her love team preference, clarifying that she’s more comfortable working with JM than Jarren: “Friends lang kami ni Jarren, very close friends. So I don’t think na may iaangat pa ‘dun… Ako lang yung may choice kung sino ang gusto kong ka-loveteam, and it’s JM.”
“I’m very comfortable sa kanya. Every time na nagwo-work kami, nakakalimutan ko na work ‘yun. Super enjoy.”
Fyang and JM’s pairing gained popularity during ‘PBB: Gen 11’, with their first screen project being the music video for Regine Velasquez’s ‘Wherever You Are.’ They recently lent their voices to the Filipino-dubbed version of the Korean film Picnic and are set to star in an upcoming iWantTFC original digital series titled ‘Ghosting.’
As of writing, JM Ibarra, Fyang Smith, and Jarren Garcia have not yet made public statements regarding the issue.
