Due to a controversial scene that went viral online, the Movie and TeleÂvision Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has banned DreamWorks’ newest animated film Abominable from showing in Philippine theaters.
The scene in question shows China’s nine-dash line in the West Philippine Sea which has ignited anger among countries in disagreement with its territorial claim. The nine-dash line is also legally invalidated by the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague, Netherlands.
In a statement sent to Pilipino Star Ngayon, MTRCB chair Rachel Arenas said: “MTRCB understands the situation brought about by the movie ‘Abominable. We wish to assure the public that the said movie is already off the Philippine market effective October 15, 2019.”
Neighboring country Vietnam has already pulled the movie out of its local theaters while Malaysia has ordered the scene to be cut out.
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Abominable was a joint production between DreamWorks and Chinese-owned Pearl Studio, which has produced animated films Kung Fu Panda 3 and How to Train Your Dragon 2, among others.
As of writing, both studios have yet to comment on the issue.
The film has been showing in Philippine theaters since October 2 but has been pulled out since October 15.
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