MANILA, Philippines — The local government of the Autonomous Region in Muslm Mindanao (ARMM) took offense to the costumes worn by Sen. Tito Sotto and Joey de Leon during the October 31 episode of GMA-7's noontime variety show "Eat Bulaga."
Joey and Tito wore a thawb, an ankle-length garment with long sleeves usually worn by Muslims.
@AngPoetNyo and Tito Sen :) #ALDUBBahayNiLOLA pic.twitter.com/9LuxYv7yhb
— Eat Bulaga (@EatBulaga) October 31, 2015
In a statement published by MindaNews, ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman Joey and Tito's act "equated the Muslim garb as a costume to be geared, in the way that zombies and ghouls are to be feared."
Hataman also asked the producers and hosts of "Eat Bulaga" to issue an apology.
"This display betrays an insensitivity by these hosts, as they equated the Muslim garb as a costume to be feared, in the way that zombies and ghouls are to be feared," Hataman said in the statement.
"What Eat Bulaga did in its Halloween Special was a mockery of and an affront to the image of the Muslim, apparently in the name of entertainment."
"On behalf of the Filipino Moro people, we demand that producers and hosts of the noontime show issue a public apology," Hataman said
Netizens also criticized "Eat Bulaga" for the costume.
@EatBulaga @AngPoetNyo insulto to sa kapatid nating mga muslim
— MxyVncJalal (@HeyMoxy) October 31, 2015 @EatBulaga @AngPoetNyo ito ang mali nyo ang isuot ang damit ng mga muslim!! Anong gsto nyong ipahiwatig? Nkakabastos kyo!!!
— haina (@haina84) October 31, 2015 @EatBulaga @AngPoetNyo Ano pong ibig sabihin nito as a Halloween costume? #ALDUBBahayNiLOLA
— Saul de Jesus (@unSauLicited) October 31, 2015
"Eat Bulaga" is yet to release a statement about the issue.