MMFF ExeCom Withdraws FPJ Memorial Award of Oro Due to Death of Dog

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Above is a screenshot of the poor dog that was killed in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) movie "ORO". The dog was put in a sack, beaten to death, skinned and gutted. Are the good reviews and awards the film got worth it at the cost of an an innocent creature's life?

ORO truly boasts of an excellent ensemble of actors with superb acting skills! Truly world class, no doubt! Surely no one will dare question all the recognition and citation they are getting for they are all indeed well-deserved. These things make us proud that we are Filipinos. But I'd be bold and daring and go ahead and say the whole team stopped their advocacy right there! While the actors display stellar performance, sad to note that film making is objectionable! In the process, an innocent dog was killed. Though they claim that the dog was not slaughtered for the movie itself, they opted to show the ordeal. The fear and panic in the eyes of the dog was unbearable to watch. I tried to cover my eyes but the whimpering sounds lingered. It broke my heart and had to see the rest of the film pained and preoccupied with the unfortunate fate the dog suffered. We call on everyone who plans to see ORO. DON'T!!! An innocent life was taken. A DOG WAS KILLED!!!!"" - Ann Millendez

Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) executive committee has announced the withdrawal of Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award granted to Alvin Yapan’s “Oro” after receiving several complaints on one of its scenes.

Here is the full text of MMFF execom’s statement:

'Upon consultation with the family of the late Fernando Poe, Jr., the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Executive Committee announces the withdrawal of the Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award recently granted to the film "Oro." Without making any judgment on the artistic merit of the film or cinematic depiction, the MMFF finds the present controversy on the alleged killing of a dog in the course of the filming of the movie effectively casts a doubt on the movie's ability to exemplify the human and cultural values espoused by the late Fernando Poe, Jr.'

In the film, a disturbing dog-slaughter scene has caught the attention of the viewers, which served as the basis of a formal complaint filed by the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) on Monday.

However, Yapan, earlier, denied the alleged dog abuse. “Hindi po totoo na pumatay kami ng aso para lang sa pelikula. Hindi rin totoo na kinain iyong aso sa set. Sa pagkakatanda ko ibang araw shinoot iyong inuman scene doon sa mismong pagkatay ng aso. Baboy ang ginamit nila. Nasa pag edit na po iyon,” he said.

Aside from the stripped award, Oro bagged two other awards during the MMFF Gabi ng Parangal including the Best Actress for Irma Adlawan and Best Ensemble of Cast.

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