Screengrab from Batang Quiapo series
1ST District, Lanao del Sur Rep. Ziaur-Rahman Alonto Adiong expressed his disheartenment by the recent episode of the Batang Quiapo series.
In a statement, Adiong said in the episode, Muslim characters are depicted as harboring and condoning theft, under the pretext of using stolen goods to help others.
Furthermore these same characters not only own guns, but have such a notorious reputation to police officers that the latter would give up the pursuit of a thief who has sought refuge with them.
“These are discriminatory, harmful, and derogatory portrayals of an entire community. As the representative of Lanao del Sur and a Bangsamoro muslim, I am deeply saddened by this discriminating portrayal. It is crucial to note that Islam does not coddle theft and considers it a major sin. The Quran states in Chapter 5, verse 38: “As for the thief, male or female, cut off their hands. It is the recompense for what they have earned, exemplary punishment from Allah. And Allah is Almighty, Wise,” said Adiong.
Clearly theft even to benefit the less fortunate is not countenanced by Islam, added Adiong.
He also stated that Muslim community in and around the Golden Mosque in Quiapo has a rich history that dates back several centuries.
Islam was first introduced to the Philippines in the 14th century, and the Muslim community has been an integral part of the country’s cultural and social fabric ever since. As such, it is dispiriting that the few moments Muslims are portrayed in popular media are usually rehashed and outdated stereotypes.
“We cannot abide by such acts which perpetuate harmful stereotypes that have no place in our society. The Muslim community is a diverse and vibrant group that has made significant contributions to the progress and development of our nation. To ignore this fact and portray us in a negative light is a disservice to our community’s long-standing presence in this country and to the values of respect and inclusivity that we should all strive to uphold,” Adiong added
“We urge the creators of Batang Quiapo to reconsider the impact of their film and the message it sends to its viewers. In a time when the world is already grappling with hate speech and extremism, popular media must strive for better representation of Muslims. We call upon them to take steps to ensure that such incidents regarding representations of Muslims in multimedia and social media do not happen in the future.”
Adiong also call upon the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) and all concerned agencies to review current policies regarding the representation of Muslims in movies, television and digital shows.
As for this office, “we will review, strengthen, and push forward legislative measures to address similar acts of discrimination. We call upon all members of our society to reject hate and discrimination in all its forms and to work towards building a more peaceful and harmonious world for everyone.”
