Mercy Sunot of Aegis | Image: Facebook/Mercy Sunot-Aegis Band
Following the death of one of its vocalists, Mercy Sunot, OPM band Aegis issued a plea to respect her and her loved ones in their time of grief amid talk on social media that her alleged “bad habits” caught up with her health.
On its social media pages, the band made the request to belie stories claiming that Sunot was engaging in certain vices prior to her death, as well as junking a fabricated interview of one of the late vocalist’s sisters, Juliet.
Sunot and Juliet are also siblings to fellow band member Ken. Together they formed Aegis, along with Stella Pabico, Rey Abenoja, Rowena Adriano, and Vilma Goloviogo.
“Kami po ay taus-pusong nananawagan sa lahat na huwag po sanang paniwalaan ang mga kumakalat na maling impormasyon tungkol kay Mercy. Hindi po siya gumagamit ng anumang bisyo, at siya ay hindi naninigarilyo o umiinom. Wala rin pong anumang panayam na ibinigay si Juliet na naglalaman ng mga pahayag laban sa kanyang kapatid. Nais po naming humiling ng respeto, hindi lamang para kay Mercy, kundi pati na rin para sa kanyang pamilya,” read the statement.
(We sincerely urge everyone not to believe the spreading false information about Mercy. She does not have any vices. She does not smoke or drink. Juliet also gave no interview about degrading statements about her sister. We would like to ask for respect, not only for Mercy but also for her family.)
Aegis stressed that spreading false information to gain likes and views is an utter disrespect to the departed.
“Isipin po sana natin ang bigat ng epekto ng ganitong mga maling balita. Sa paghahangad ng atensyon at “clicks,” nawawala po ang paggalang sa dignidad ng mga yumao. Sana po, makapagbigay ito ng pagkakataon sa lahat na magmuni-muni at maging mas responsable sa pagbabahagi ng impormasyon. Maraming salamat po sa inyong pang-unawa,” the band concluded their statement.
(Let’s think about the weight of the impact of such false news. In the pursuit of attention and “clicks,” respect for the dignity of the departed is lost. Hopefully, this will give everyone an opportunity to reflect and be more responsible in sharing information. Thank you very much for your understanding.)
On Nov. 18, Sunot died at the age of 48 after battling breast and lung cancer. Tributes from fans and friends from the industry poured in on social media.
Singer Jessa Zaragoza posted Sunot’s image on her Instagram story and wrote in her caption, “May you rest in peace. Our deepest condolences to your family.”
Image: Instagram/@jessazaragoza
Actress-singer Zsa Zsa Padilla also paid tribute to the late Aegis vocalist by sharing Sunot’s photo on her Instagram story with the simple caption, “R.I.P Mercy.”
“The Voice Kids” season 1 grand winner Lyca Gairanod also took to social media to honor Sunot, saying, “One of my idols and inspiration in singing. Rest in peace, Ate!” Gairanod rose to fame after singing Aegis’ “Halik” in her blind auditions for “The Voice Kids.”
Aside from “Halik,” Aegis popularized the songs “Sayang na Sayang” and “Luha.” The band’s hits were also featured in the musical “Rak of Aegis.”