- The Manobo Tribe expressed their dismay over the new epicserye, Bagani.
- They also added that the show devalues the real meaning of real baganis.
- ABS-CBN Corporation had already put a disclaimer on the pilot episode of the said show.
Some members of the Manobo Tribe in Mindanao went to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to express their dismay and disappointment towards the new ABS-CBN epicserye, Bagani.
In a report from TV Patrol, the tribe conveyed that the show lessened the value of a real bagani. They also added the real definition of the word bagani.
In the said report, Datu Melchor Bayawan also added that a person would have already killed ten enemies before being named a bagani. Bae Limpayen Sibug Las of Davao added that a bagani does not have superpowers.
“Ginawang ukay-ukay na lang, parang wala ng value yung pagka-bagani… Kailangan nakapatay ka na ng sampung tao bago ka magiging bagani, masasamang tao. Kundi man kailangan nakapatay ka ng sampung ahas na poisonous snake.”
They also continued that they have culture and tradition which needed preservation. The group, then, persisted that they have the right to complain. They also cited their said right according to the Republic Act 8371 Section 32 which states:
“Community Intellectual Rights. – ICCs/IPs have the right to practice and revitalize their own cultural traditions and customs. The State shall preserve, protect and develop the past, present and future manifestations of their cultures as well as the right to the restitution of cultural, intellectual, religious, and spiritual property taken without their free and prior informed consent or in violation of their laws, traditions and customs.”
Bae Limpayen Sibug Las of Davao suggested three things to avoid devaluing the real baganis.
“Una, palitan yung title ng teleserye. Or number two, they rewrite the script na may reverence talaga sa tunay na bagani at pangatlo, maglalagay sila ng disclaimer every airing nila ng show that they have not portrayed the bagani na associated sa mga Manobo.”
During the pilot episode of Bagani in March 5, Monday, they showed a disclaimer before it started.
“Ang kuwentong inyong mapapanood ay kathang-isip lamang at kumuha ng inspirasyon mula sa iba’t ibang alamat at mitolohiyang Pilipino. Ito’y hindi tumutukoy o kumakatawaan sa kahit anong Indigenous People sa Pilipinas.”
