THE Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) on Thursday said it would remind networks to properly depict the culture and values of Filipino Muslims following an outcry over “Batang Quiapo’s” portrayal of Muslim characters.

The MTRCB took note of the concerns about the show raised by Lanao del Sur Rep. Ziaur-Rahman Alonto Adiong, who said the Coco Martin-starrer depicted Muslim characters as harboring criminals and condoning theft. 

“The MTRCB recognizes the concern of the Honorable Ziaur-Rahman Alonto Adiong regarding the depiction of Muslim characters in the program ‘Batang Quiapo.’ It is mindful that discriminatory and offensive portrayals of Filipino Muslims harm our Muslim brothers and sisters and also runs counter to the call of President Marcos, Jr. for national unity,” it said. 

It said it would put in place guidelines to make sure that incidents like this could be prevented in the future.

“The MTRCB is currently working on institutionalizing television and motion picture guidelines/policies that are responsive to the cultural and religious sensitivities of Filipino Muslim viewers,” it said. 

MTRCB also said CCM Film Productions, the production company behind the show, has issued an apology and has committed to “closely coordinate with the MTRCB to ensure similar incidents are avoided in future time.” 

The agency would also issue a notice to the concerned networks “to ensure that depictions of Filipino Muslims in their programs honor the culture, society, and special values of Islam and the Filipino Muslim community.” 

The scene

The controversial scene that angered Alonto aired on February 14 and showed the character of Tangol, played by Martin, running to escape authorities who were chasing him after he stole someone’s necklace in Quiapo, Manila. 

He then seeks refuge in a building occupied by Muslims headed by the character of veteran actor Rez Cortez. 

The scene earned the ire of the Muslim community for leaving an impression that Muslims tolerate stealing. 

Alonto’s lament 

Lanao del Sur 1st District Representative Ziaur-Rahman “Zia” Alonto Adiong was among the first ones who did not let this pass.

In a lengthy Facebook post, the Mindanao politician slammed the portrayal of Muslims in the series as people who allowed theft  under the pretext of using stolen goods to help others.

“Furthermore these same characters not only own guns, but have such a notorious reputation to police officers that the latter would give up the pursuit of a thief who has sought refuge with them,” he said. 

According to him, these are “discriminatory, harmful, and derogatory portrayals of an entire community.”

He called on the MTRCB to look into this matter. 

Sen. Robinhood speaks

The controversial scene also prompted comments from Sen. Robinhood Padilla, a Muslim, who said he completely understands the outrage against the scene. 

He agreed that the scene conveyed a negative message to the public about Filipino Muslims and their culture. 

“Nais po nating bigyang diin na malaking kasalanan po, haram o ipinagbabawal po sa islam ang anumang uri ng pagnanakaw, ganun din po ang pagkunsinti sa sinumang magnanakaw,” he said in an official statement issued by his office. 

But he also said Martin personally paid him a visit to explain the controversial scene and ask for forgiveness for whatever it caused to the community. He vouched for the character of Martin and told the public, especially his Muslim brothers and sisters, that the actor-director had no intention of discrediting the Muslim community. 

“Mga mahal kong kapatid, ako na po ang naggagarantiya sa mabuting kalooban ni G. Coco Martin. At sigurado po akong wala siyang masamang intensyon kanino man. Inaamin po niya na kulang ang kanyang kaalaman sa Islam, kung kaya’t sa halip po na ating kutyain ang kanyang pagkukulang, ako na po ang nananawagan po sa inyo upang atin itong sama-samang bunuan,” he said. 

‘Batang Quiapo’ says sorry 

The production company said it understood the outrage against the episode and addressed it by issuing a statement of apology on Thursday. 

“Nauunawaan namin ang mga nagpahayag ng opinyon at damdamin tungkol dito at sinisiguro namin na walang masamang ang programa na diskriminahin, saktan o ilarawan ang ating mga kababayang Muslim sa negatibong paraan,” it said. 

The management of the program also vowed better discretion in portraying the story of Tangol and his community.