The cast of “Oro”
“ORO” filmmakers are now under fire for “killing a dog” in the movie.
The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has called the attention of the MMFF executive committee to investigate the “dog slaughter” scene.
In a letter sent to MMFF, PAWS asked for an inquiry on the “dog killing,” an clear act of animal cruelty.
“A few days ago, our organization communicated with Shandii Bacolod, producer of the film, who initially said no animal was harmed or killed for the movie,” read the letter.
“Later on, on the Official Facebook Page of the film, Director Alvin Yapan stated that the crew ‘shot a practice among ruralfolk where dogs are part of their foodfare,” it added.
The Animal Welfare Act or RA 8485, as amended by RA 10631, states that killing dogs for their meat is illegal.
“In the said national law, even the killing of dogs as part of religious ritual or ethnic custom of indigenous cultural communitites shall be done with proper coordination with the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and the Committee on Animal Welfare (CAW),” the letter explained.
A PEP report, quoting MMFF spokesperson Noel Ferrer, said the have already called the attention of the filmmakers of Team Oro to clarify the issue.
“Even before receiving the letter from PAWS, the MMFF EXECOM has already called on the filmmakers and Team Oro for a clarificatory meeting, inquiry and
dialogue,” he said.
“Since PAWS has officially brought the matter (re: violation of the animal welfare law) to our attention, we shall be both on this issue and thus, a meeting is set on Monday, January 2, 11 a.m. at the Office of the MMDA Chair. We in the MMFF EXECOM reiterate that we will not condone such acts nor allow the Festival to be the vehicle for such actions, added Noel.
The scene has earned the irk of the netizens, some of whom posted their views on Twitter.
Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chairperson Liza Dino has expressed her disappointment to the “dog slaughter” scene and said she already saw it before it was screened at the MMFF. She claimed that the filmmakers assured her that it was not a dog used in the scene.
“They said no, a goat was used and some prosthetics to make it look real. I was somehow appeased, and was also
being careful about crossing the line (artistic calls of the director) so I didn’t push the issue. As long as may assurance na walang pinatay na totoong aso, subjective na if the scene should be deleted, changed or replaced, she said.
“Paulit-ulit kaming nagtanong, they said magaling lang ang pagkakagawa kaya nagmukhang totoo,” Liza added.
Director Joey Javier Reyes also expressed his dismay via Twitter.
“You DO NOT kill dogs for the sake of art” or to authenticate what you are filming. There is RA8485 Animal Welfare Act. SO SADDENED BY THIS,” the director tweeted yesterday.
