Jade Castro
INALMAHAN ng ilang grupo ang pag-aresto sa premyadong direktor na si Jade Castro at sa tatlo pa niyang kasamahan sa Mulanay, Quezon.
Inakusahan si Direk Jade at kanyang mga kaibigan ng mga otoridad sa umano’y panununog ng isang modern jeepney sa isang lugar sa Catanauan, Quezon.
Mariing itinanggi ng veteran filmmaker ang akusasyon at ipinagdiinang wala silang kasalanan at lahat sila ay mga inosente raw sa isinampang kaso laban sa kanila.
Bukod kay Direk Jade, ang iba pang inaresto ay ang mga kasamahan niyang sales manager na si Ernesto Orcine, civil engineer na si Noel Mariano, at civil engineer na si Dominic Ramos.
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Kinondena ng Directors’ Guild of the Philippines Inc. (DGPI), Philippine Center of International PEN (PEN Philippines) at ng arts group na DAKILA ang anila’y “baseless arrest” na ginawa sa grupo ni Direk Jade.
“Castro declared his innocence and stated he was on vacation with friends when personalities of the Philippine National Polce (PNP) arrested them for a crime that occurred in Catanauan, Quezon,” ang bahagi ng official statement ng DGPI na ipinost sa kanilang social media page.
“Castro shared more disturbing information: the arrest was warrantless. Jade Castro is a vetted DGPI member and an important voice of the Philippine Independent Cinema.
“We stand by his innocence and testify to his good character. We urge clarity on the matter from the authorities involved, and the immediate release of Jade Castro from detention,” dagdag pa ng DGPI.
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Matapang na pahayag naman ng DAKILA, “Filmmaker and writer Jade Castro and his friends were arrested and detained on alleged charges of arson while vacationing in Mulanay, Quezon.
“Jade, known for his socially-relevant films like Endo and Zombadings, has significantly influenced the creative sensibilities of emerging filmmakers through numerous workshops and mentorships, making profound contributions to the film industry.
“As an advocate for justice, we urge an immediate, fair, and transparent investigation by Philippine authorities, trusting in our legal system to protect the rights of those in custody,” dagdag pa.
Mensahe naman ng PEN Philippines, “We call on the Philippine National Police, the Department of Justice, and all relevant authorities to conduct a quick, thorough, and transparent investigation into this and uphold the rule of law, protecting the rights of individuals under their custody.”
Matatandaang dinenay ni Jade ang akusasyon ng mga pulis laban sa kanila sa pamamagitan ng Facebook, “Nagbabakasyon lang kaming magkakaibigan sa Mulanay, Quezon, pero inaresto kami sa krimen na nangyari sa Catanauan.”
Nitong nagdaang February 3, nakapag-post uli ang direktor sa FB, aniya, “Guys, sorry, ‘di maka-reply, bawal cellphone. Opo, warrantless arrest, arson.”
Nakakulong pa rin sa kasalukuyan ang grupo nina Jade sa Mulanay, Quezon.
Ilan sa mga pelikula ni Direk Jade ay ang “Endo” (2007), “My Big Love” (2008), “Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington” (2011), “My Kontrabida Girl” (2012), “My Lady Boss” (2013), “Beki Boxer” (2014), at “LSS (Last Song Syndrome)” (2019) kung saan nanalo siyang Best Director sa Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino.