Wycoco not spared by piracy

Despite the intensified campaign of the government against illegal copying of movies, pirates continue to operate with impunity.

Even the latest crime flick, which includes in its cast National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Reynaldo Wycoco, was not spared.

Hours before the premiere night "NBI Files: The Cory Quirino Kidnap" at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City Monday night," pirated video compact discs (VCDs) of the film were being sold in Quiapo, Manila.

The film, produced by Carlo Caparas and Donna Villa, narrates the ordeal of socialite Cory Quirino at the hands of his abductors in 1995.

Wycoco, who became NBI director in 2001, portrayed himself in the movie as head of the Philippine National Police’s anti-kidnapping unit that hunted down and arrested the suspects.

Unaware of the existence of pirated copies of the movies, Wycoco told reporters that they implemented every possible measure to prevent the proliferation of illegal copies.

"It is one of our biggest worries. One of the ills besetting the industry is piracy. We don’t want a movie on the ‘NBI Files’ falling victim to piracy," said Wycoco, who explained that NBI agents were deployed during the shooting and dubbing stages to prevent piracy.

The NBI chief said he even requested the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to allow NBI agents to secure the site of the film’s review sessions.

"During the premiere, all projection rooms were checked by NBI agents, Wycoco said. The NBI instructed security people to prevent anyone with video cameras from entering.

On a lighter note, Wycoco said he enjoyed taking part in the making of a movie.

"It’s a new experience. All of us were so happy that the movie houses were overflowing. It’s a very nice feeling," said Wycoco." – Cecille Suerte Felipe