‘Chasing Tuna in the Ocean’ film, binigyan ng X rating ng MTRCB, ipinagbawal ipalabas sa Pinas

MANILA, Philippines — Ipinagbawal ng Movie Television and Classification Board (MTRCB) ang pagpapalabas sa bansa sa pelikulang ‘Chasing Tuna in the Ocean’ na nagpapakita sa kontrobersiyal na 9-dash line sa pinag-aagawang teritoryo sa West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Nabatid na ang pelikula ay pinatawan ng X rating na ikinategorya bilang “Not for Public Exhibition“ sa Pilipinas.

“The decision comes after a thorough review by the MTRCB Committee on First Review, which concluded that the film’s depiction of the nine-dash line, symbolizes China’s territorial claim over the South China Sea,” ayon kay MTRCB Chairperson at Chief Executive Officer Lala Sotto.

“The MTRCB will continue to exercise its powers and prerogatives consistent with its mandate, and as Filipinos, we shall not tolerate any content that undermines the prestige of the Republic of the Philippines,” ayon kay Sotto.

“As it stands, ‘Chasing Tuna in the Ocean’ won’t be exhibited in the Philippines. However, given that the ‘X’ rating was imposed by the Committee on First Review, under PD No. 1986, Producers are not precluded from applying before the Board a request for a Second review, provided, however, that they submit a revised material with the contentious scenes deleted,” paliwanag pa niya bilang pagtalima sa MTRCB charter.

Nabatid na ipinakikita sa nasabing pelikula ang hirap na pinagdaraanan ng mga mangingisda sa panghuhuli ng tuna sa Indian Ocean.