MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Tuesday it may consider the cancellation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) it signed with executives of the television network ABS-CBN after an episode of “Ang Probinsyano” series showed two policewomen in uniform being raped by members of a criminal syndicate.
“In light of the concern raised by netizens and police officers on ‘Ang Probinsyano’ scene where policewomen in uniform were being harassed and raped, we will talk to the production staff of ABS-CBN and look at possible violation of our existing Memorandum of Understanding,” PNP Deputy Spokesperson Lt. Col. Kimberly Molitas said in a statement.
READ: Netizens slam ‘Ang Probinsyano’ for rape scene of female cops
Molitas was referring to the MOU signed between executives of the PNP and ABS-CBN in November 2018, where the PNP allowed the production team of the long-running television series to use police uniforms and equipment but with supervision from police officials.
READ: PNP, ABS-CBN execs sign MOU on ‘Ang Probinsyano’
This support was earlier withdrawn after PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde called out the show for portraying the PNP of having a scalawag top cop.
“Depending on the extent of the violation we may warn them or rescind the said MOU,” Molitas said.
The show’s July 15 episode showed actor Baron Geisler, who plays the character of “Bungo,” carrying one of the policewomen, still in her uniform, to a corner inside the syndicate’s hideout as other members of the group unpleasantly chant to the tune of a wedding song.
It also showed another member of the gang raping the other policewoman, whose hands were being held by two men.
Several netizens have called out the show for its portrayal of rape, with some urging the production team to be more sensitive about the issue on sexual abuse and some calling the episode a disrespect to the police uniform. /jpv