The National Security Council (NSC) expresses deep concern over the efforts to suppress the screening of Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea at the Doc Edge Film Festival in New Zealand.
The use of diplomatic pressure to demand the cancellation of the screening of the said documentary represent a blatant attempt to silence a powerful narrative that exposes the truth about the situation in the West Philippine Sea and the daily realities faced by Filipino fisherfolk. This interference is not only unacceptable, it is a direct affront to the principles of free expression, artistic freedom, and democratic discourse.
We stand with Ms. Babyruth Villarama and the producers of Food Delivery, a courageous and timely documentary that gives voice to those who continue to defend our sovereignty and sovereign rights at sea. We commend the Doc Edge Film Festival, particularly General Manager Rachael Penman, for refusing to give in to foreign pressure and for defending the right to tell stories that matter.
We support all efforts, here and abroad, that shed light on the lived experiences of our fisherfolk and maritime frontliners. We also urge the international community, especially filmmakers, artists, media platforms, and democratic institutions, to reject coercion and censorship in all forms. Attempts to suppress the truth only affirm its importance. The more aggressive the effort to silence it, the louder it must be heard.
Let Food Delivery be seen. Let our stories be heard. And let those who try to suppress the truth know this: the Philippines will never be silenced.
