The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has reclassified the documentary film, Alipato at Muog’s X rating to R-16 during its second reading on Thursday, September 5.
In a social media post on Wednesday, the documentary film’s Director JL Burgos announced that he and the film’s supporters will be outside the MTRCB office to await the results on the documentary film's second review.
On Thursday afternoon, Burgos announced the board’s decision in a Facebook live outside the office building. He said there were five reviewers with them, four mothers and one lawyer. During the film’s second review, the board shared their perception. Burgos shared that they sympathized with their family in seeking justice for his brother.
“Pinapaliwanag din nila sa amin kung ano ang nangyari kay Jonas. May mga specific na detalye sa pelikula na tinatanong nila, katulad ng pag tawag ni Jonas sa nanay ko. Katulad ng ilang kaso sa desaparecido na nawala at ginagawang surrenderee ng militar. Pinaliwanag namin na ganoon ang mga nangyayari, na dinudukot ang mga legal na aktibista, ng mga aktibista, at pinapamukhang NPA. Sinasabi namin na nangyayari yon at ginagawa ng militar, at ginagawa ng estado,” Director Burgos said.
In light of their discussion, the board has decided to revoke Alipato at Muog’s X-rating and was reclassified to R-16. Burgos mentioned that he was initially hoping for a PG rating, but still considered the reclassification a big win for the team, as the first step, he mentioned, is to have the ban lifted.
However, he said that it does end not with the reversal, as several other films like Alipato at Muog which sheds light on important conversations in society, would continue to be created. He asked the audience to be vigilant and to stand their ground on freedom of expression.
He thanked the MTRCB, the film’s supporters, and the team for spotlighting and joining the ongoing search for his brother.
“Hindi pa po tapos ang laban. Mahaba haba pa ang dapat natin lakbayin. Madami pa rin dinudukot. Wala pa din si Jonas. Pero ito tiyak ko. Di na lang kami ang maghahanap sa kuya ko,” Burgos’ socal media post ended.
