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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Blocking of WPS documentary is China's way of 'arresting the narrative' — solon

Blocking of WPS documentary is China's way of 'arresting the narrative' — solon

Published Jul 7, 2025 01:35 pm

At A Glance

  • A congressman has hit China on Monday, July 7 for its attempt to block the screening of a Filipino documentary in New Zealand highlighting the struggles of Filipino fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
A congressman has hit China on Monday, July 7 for its attempt to block the screening of a Filipino documentary in New Zealand highlighting the struggles of Filipino fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said China's request to a New Zealand-based film festival organizer to remove from the list of films the documentary Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Seas is indicative of something.
''China does not only bully Filipino fishermen in our own waters. But they want to arrest also the narrative in the international community as to the rights of our Filipinos, our country over the [WPS],'' Adiong added.
Organizers of Doc Edge Festival said they declined the request particularly made by the Chinese consulate in Auckland, as they stressed the festival's “independence and curatorial freedom''.
''The fact that the film was requested to be taken down and that China had to resort to that kind of measure only proved that the message it conveyed was that important,'' Adiong said.
''They want to block free expression,'' claimed the Mindanaoan.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) had earlier expressed its support for the film, which sought to light on the realities faced by Filipino fisherfolk and maritime defenders in the WPS.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Spokesman Jay Tarriela has also raised his concern over China's move as he observed how Beijing continues to assert its “authoritarian influence''.
“This isn’t just a cinematic endeavor—it’s a bold exposé that shines a spotlight on a critical geopolitical flashpoint, revealing the stark realities faced by those on the front lines of this dispute,” he said.
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