The documentary film “Alipato at Muog” received two awards at the 73rd Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards, known as one of the most prestigious in the Philippine film industry, held on August 22 in Manila. The film tells the story of the search for answers to the enforced disappearance of Jonas Burgos, brother of activist and documentary director Jose Luis, or JL Burgos.
The documentary won Best Picture, and Burgos received the Best Director award. Awarded alongside Burgos and the film are prominent figures and actors such as Marian Rivera, Vice Ganda, and Nadine Lustre.
“Awarding Alipato at Muog not only recognizes the film’s creative process. We thank FAMAS for recognizing the story of truth and justice behind Alipato at Muog,” the director said.
Burgos accepted the award with his mother, Editha Burgos, and a photo of the desaparecido Jonas. State forces abducted and disappeared Jonas more than 18 years ago.
On April 28, 2007, men abducted activist and organizer Jonas in Quezon City. His abduction became one of the emblematic cases of human rights violations under the fascist Arroyo regime. After nearly two decades, Jonas’ disappearance is yet to see answers or accountability.
JL shared the film’s award with fellow activists and human rights advocates. “To all our fellow activists fighting on the street for genuine freedom and justice, this is for you,” he said.
The groups Desaparecidos and Karapatan praised Burgos and his film for the awards recieved. “Thank you for giving voice to the victims and families of victims of enforced disappearances, for showing more people our tireless search for the desaparecidos and the disappeared justice,” the two groups stated.
Before the film received awards, state forces and agencies harassed Burgos and suppressed his documentary’s release. Last year, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) gave the documentary an “X Rating,” which prohibited its public and commercial showing in cinemas.
National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson Jonathan Malaya also openly maligned the film. Current NSC chief Eduardo Año is involved in Jonas’ abduction.
The Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP) also congratulated the film “Alipato at Muog” for its awards. CAP chairperson Bibeth Orteza said the FAMAS awards affirm the documentary’s excellence and its stance for freedom of expression, documentary filmmaking, and the families who choose not to forget.
“Searching for a disappeared brother makes you realize you are not alone. Thus, Alipato at Muog. Alipato, a spark of fire sheltered by the Muog (Fortress) of solidarity with the many others who suddenly lost loved ones, those defenselessly abducted. Recognition and honor for you, JL Burgos,” Orteza said.
The film now symbolizes the continuing struggle and fight of the relatives, friends, and comrades of the desaparecidos. According to Karapatan, at least 15 individuals remain missing under the Marcos regime.
Meanwhile, Ang Bayan recorded 250 victims of the military and police’s abduction tactics during Marcos’ time, with some surfaced as corpses presented as casualties in armed encounters, while others remain jailed for overlapping fabricated criminal charges.
