Desaparecidos (Families of the Disappeared for Justice) assails the virtual banning from commercial screening of the award-winning documentary film “Alipato at Muog” about the abduction and disappearance of activist Jonas Burgos on April 28, 2007. With this ban, Desaparecidos urges everyone who has not yet seen “Alipato at Muog” to watch it at its special screening at the UP Film Center in Diliman, Quezon City this afternoon at 5 p.m.
The film, helmed by Jonas’ brother JL Burgos, was recently given an X-rating by the Movies and Television Ratings and Classification Board (MTRCB), prohibiting it from being shown in commercial theaters nationwide.
Desaparecidos hails “Alipato at Muog” as a landmark film that presents the issue of enforced disappearance as a repressive State policy to silence dissent by exploring in-depth the case of one of the most prominent victims, Jonas Burgos.
It is appalling that State entities are engaged in a continuing conspiracy to prevent public awareness of and truth-telling on enforced disappearances, shield perpetrators of this despicable crime from being held accountable and prevent victims and their families from attaining justice and closure.
The best expression of defiance to this blatant act of censorship would be for throngs of viewers to see the film today and hopefully many other dates.