Netflix on ‘Amo’ criticisms: Let the viewers decide

MANILA, Philippines — Responding to the calls to stop the streaming of Brillante Mendoza’s “Amo,” entertainment company Netflix said it is up to the viewers to decide if they would watch the show or not.

“Netflix offers a diverse choice for consumers to decide on what, where and when they want to watch,” Netflix told Buzzfeed.

The streaming giant added: “We understand that viewers may have opposing opinions but leave it to them to decide.”

Rights watchdogs and drug policy groups called on Netflix to cancel “Amo,” which dramatizes the drug problem in the Philippines, as it justifies the extrajudicial killings linked to the government’s brutal drug war.

“Netflix should not condone a show glorifying Duterte’s drug war. Thousands of Filipinos have already lost loved ones to this murderous campaign. Airing Amo will only bastardize their grief,” the groups said in a statement.

A mother of the handicapped 19-year old killed after being accused of selling illegal narcotics also launched a charge.org petition to cancel the show.

Mendoza, the show’s director, said that “Amo” will show the drug menace in the country from the “point of view of the ‘victims’ as well as the ‘victimizers.’”

He was also quoted as saying that drug war is necessary not only in the Philippines but also in other countries with a drug problem. Mendoza is a supporter of Duterte.

The campaign has resulted in the deaths of at least 4,000 drug suspects although critics and human rights groups have higher estimates.

READ: Netflix series shows 'necessary' Duterte drug war — Brillante Mendoza