NSA slams China's attempt to suppress WPS documentary

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año yesterday criticized China for what he described as its efforts to suppress the truth by attempting to stop the screening of a documentary exposing its actions and behavior in the West Philippine Sea.

- — With Christine Boton

"The National Security Council (NSC) expresses deep concern over efforts to suppress the screening of 'Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea' at the Doc Edge Film Festival in New Zealand," Año said.

"The use of diplomatic pressure to demand the cancellation of the documentary's screening represents 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," he added.

Such interference, he said, is "not only unacceptable, it is a direct affront to the principles of free expression, artistic freedom and democratic discourse."

The NSC stands with director Babyruth Villarama and the film's producers, Año said.

Año commended the Doc Edge Film Festival, especially general manager Rachael Penman, for refusing to give in to foreign pressure.