MANILA, Philippines - Authorities arrested nine people in separate popular movie theaters in Manila, Mandaluyong and Pasay City, all caught attempting to pirate a copy of the latest Superman movie "Man of Steel."
The National Cinema Association of the Philippines (NACP) reported that the much-anticipated redux of DC Comics’ classic superhero, Superman, has not gone by without illegal camcorders trying to steal the movie.
The NACP said a total of nine persons have been arrested since the start of the summer movie season.
Those arrested were found in possession of several still-shots of movie scenes and movie footage ranging between seven to 23 minutes of film run-time.
The suspects used devices such as mobile phones and digital cameras to acquire the stills and footage.
The devices and memory storage were seized by the authorities, and the offenders brought to their respective city precincts for police blotter.
"We are sending a message loud and clear that theater operators across the country will not tolerate this crime in our facilities. We have employed strict measures to prevent camcording of films both local and international,†said lawyer Rolly Duenas of NACP.
According to Joji Alonso, producer of the award-winning film Ang Babae sa Septic Tank (Woman in the Septic Tank), it is up to all movie-goers to look after their movie-going experience and keep the cinemas free from those who want to steal movies.
"Seeing a movie at the cinema is a magical experience and has entertained generations for decades. It’s a shame that some people try to spoil that experience for everyone and disrespect filmmakers and audiences alike when they try to illegally camcord a movie in the theatre," Alonso said.
Optical Media Board (OMB) Chairman and former action star Ronnie Ricketts is urging Filipino movie lovers to play their part in upholding and protecting intellectual property rights and building a stable and healthy film industry.
"We hope they choose to see movies as the filmmaker would like them to be seen – on the big screen with family and friends," Rickets said. "We also hope that they will alert security personnel if they believe that any illegal camcording activity is being undertaken during a movie screening."
During the recent World IP Day, the OMB conducted several surprise inspections in cinemas across Manila. Apart from the PNP ‘s Crime Investigation and Detection Group, OMB also works closely with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines and the National Bureau of Investigation to enforce the Anti-Piracy Campaign.
Under the Anti-Camcording Law (RA 10088 of July 2010), any person who is caught using or attempting to use an audiovisual recording device to transmit or make a copy of any part of a performance in an exhibition facility of any cinematographic film or other audiovisual work will be charged with a fine of P50,000 to P750,000 or US$1,000 to US$17,000 and will face imprisonment of a minimum of six months and one day to six years and one day.
The Philippines is one of the first countries in the world to screen worldwide blockbuster releases. The Philippines was the second location to host a Man of Steel premiere, following the New York premiere on June 10 and a day ahead of other US states.