MTRCB bans ‘Chasing Tuna in the Ocean’ over China’s nine-dash-line

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) on Thursday disclosed its decision to ban the film “Chasing Tuna in the Ocean” from being shown in the Phlippines, citing scenes that prominently display the controversial nine-dash line.

The film has been slapped with an “X” rating, categorizing it as “Not for Public Exhibition” in he country.

The MTRCB Committee on First Review found the film’s depiction of the nine-dash line symbolized China’s territorial claim over the South China Sea.

The board said the depiction was considered an attack against the prestige of the Republic of the Philippines and violated Section 3 (c) of Presidential Decree No. 1986 (PD No. 1986).

“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,” MTRCB Chairperson and CEO Lala Sotto sai.

Producers of the movie may request a second review “provided, however, that they submit a revised material with the contentious scenes deleted to adhere to the MTRCB Charter.”

“This serves as a reminder to producers to conform with MTRCB standards,” Sotto said.

“Chasing Tuna in the Ocean” records the hardships of the fishermen fishing for tuna in the Indian Ocean, and presents the fearlessness and responsibility of the fishermen from a delicate perspective,” she added.  —NB, GMA Integrated News