MANILA — Businessman Jam Ignacio, the fiancé of club DJ and social media influencer Jellie Aw, failed to appear before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Thursday after being subpoenaed in relation to allegations of physical abuse.

His lawyer Oscar Karaan confirmed that instead of attending the NBI hearing, they opted to face the complaint before the appropriate fiscal’s office.

“We already sent a letter to the NBI that my client will no longer appear during the hearing to be conducted by the NBI. The NBI can just refer the matter to the appropriate fiscal’s office with jurisdiction over the case and then we’ll answer the case that will be filed against my client,” Karaan said.

Jam Ignacio apologizes to DJ Jellie Aw: ‘Baka napuno lang din siguro ako’

While Ignacio is prepared to respond to the allegations in the proper legal venue, his camp said they were hopeful that the issue couold be resolved amicably.

Karaan said his client was making efforts to reconcile with Aw. 

“My client, he is trying to mend with his girlfriend para sana ma-settle ito out of court or out of the fiscal’s office para hindi na humaba kasi pinagpipiyestahan sila sa social media. Hindi naman kailangan umabot sa ganung sitwasyon. Dahil usapin ito na pwede naman nilang i-settle between themselves,” Karaan said.

Despite efforts to reach a settlement, Karaan acknowledged that they would face the complaint if it proceeds.

He added that accusations alone did not equate to guilt.

“Hindi naman porke nagdemanda ka e totoo na. Because accusation is not equivalent or synonymous with evidence,” the lawyer said.

The controversy has placed Ignacio under intense public scrutiny, particularly on social media.

Karaan said Ignacio was struggling with the backlash but remained focused on resolving matters privately.

“Dumaan siya sa isang matinding pagsubok dahil syempre binabanatan siya sa social media. Ganunpaman ang gusto niya sana, ‘wag nang lumaki ito. Ayusin nilang dalawa ng kanyang fiancée para later on ay matuloy ang kanilang inaasahang pag-iisang dibdib,” he said.