“I Crossed the Line”: Country Singer Ogong issues apology over remarks at 17th Ibaloy Day in Baguio City

Baguio City, Philippines – A cultural celebration in Baguio City turned controversial this week.

During the 17th Ibaloy Day at the Melvin Jones Grandstand on February 23, 2026, country singer Romeo Ogong from Sarangani Province—who had quickly gained attention among Cordillerans, known for their long embrace of country music— made crude jokes before a crowd of families, elders, and local officials.

Ibaloy Day, organized by the Onjon ni Ivadoy Association Incorporated, is an annual cultural and family-oriented gathering that pays tribute to the Ibaloys as the original settlers of Baguio. The event is anchored on the Ibaloy term “onjon,” which emphasizes respect, dignity, and cultural pride.

During his performance, Ogong made sexually suggestive remarks, including references to “sperm donation” and his “lineage.” He was also quoted as telling the audience, “Marami din palang malalandi sa Baguio.”

Videos of the performance circulated online, drawing mixed opinions from netizens.

Subsequently, Baguio’s Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative and City Councilor Maximo Edwin Jr. filed a resolution before the City Council seeking to declare Ogong persona non grata in the city.

According to reports, Edwin cited in the measure what he described as “misogynistic remarks and culturally insensitive behavior,” which he said completely disregarded the spirit of the celebration. He stressed that such lewd and culturally insensitive comments have no place in gatherings attended by families and elders.

Even before the resolution was filed, City Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda had already called on Ogong to issue a public apology. In a statement, Tabanda emphasized that the issue was about gender sensitivity, not the performer’s origin.

“This is not an issue of whether he is a local performer or not. This is an issue of gender sensitivity, not of place of origin,” Tabanda stated.

Amid the criticism, Ogong released a statement on February 25 following a courtesy visit with city officials and representatives of the Ibaloy community. He said discussions were ongoing and expressed his commitment to working toward a “positive and respectful resolution” to the issue.

In a continuing discussion, a press conference was held on February 26, during which Ogong apologized for “crossing the line” and promised to strive “to be better.”

During the meeting, Edwin emphasized that the proposed resolution seeking to declare Ogong persona non grata would be difficult to withdraw since it had already been submitted. He clarified that it would ultimately be up to the City Council members to deliberate on the proposal.

According to the Baguio City Sangguniang Panlungsod, the measure has been referred to the Committee on Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs), which Edwin chairs.

Another proposed resolution was filed on February 26 requesting Ogong to appear before the City Council.