PNP, 'Ang Probinsyano' resolve conflict

Deal for ‘realistic’ story signed

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police and the producers of television series “Ang Probinsyano” yesterday ironed out their conflict by signing a memorandum of understanding weeks after trading barbs over the show’s alleged negative portrayal of the PNP.

Under the agreement, the PNP would allow the use of actual police facilities and equipment in the production of the show for the story to be more “realistic.”

PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde and representatives from ABS-CBN led by chief operating officer of broadcast Socorro Vidanes signed the agreement at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Movie and Television Review and Classification Board  chairperson Maria Rachel Arenas was also a signatory.  

The show’s lead actor, Coco Martin, was also present.

The signing of the agreement came a week after a meeting was held between officials of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the television network.

“We hope to put the animosity and clashing opinions behind us, and introduce to our countrymen the true-to-life Filipino police officers imbued with the tradition of valor, service and sacrifice for God, country and the people,” Albayalde said in a press briefing.

He said the PNP would allow Ang Probinsyano to use police camps, vehicles, uniforms and police officers in scenes, but with strict supervision from the Police Community Relations Group.

“We have supervision over them on the proper wearing of uniforms plus the posture and movement of our policemen,” Albayalde said.

The PNP earlier withdrew its support for the show after Albayalde raised some issues on how police officers were being depicted in the television series.

He took exception to the show’s fictional PNP chief, Alejandro Ternate, portrayed by actor Soliman Cruz.

In the series, Ternate is a lackey of the president, played by actor Edu Manzano, who follows illegal orders.

ABS-CBN said it would “not tarnish the good image and credibility of the PNP and will serve as a medium to uphold the police organization’s core values: honor, loyalty, valor, duty and solidarity as well as respect for human rights.”

Albayalde clarified that they did not ask the producers to totally change Ang Probinsyano’s plot in favor of the PNP.

“I think they fully understood our sentiments and we are thankful for that,” he said.

Albayalde said they would not withdrew their support for the show if there are scenes that are deemed unfavorable to the PNP.

“What we want is for the story to be realistic. Hindi naman natin pwede sabihin na kami ay perfect organization,” he said.

Sen. Grace Poe welcomed the outcome of the dialogue between officials of the PNP and ABS-CBN.

But she said the show should not change its plot just to please “people in power.”

Government institutions should allow freedom of expression and creative arts, Poe said.

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año also welcomed the resolution of the conflict between the PNP and the television network.

The administration is serious in ridding the police force of scalawags, according to Año. – Cecille Suerte Felipe