‘KMJS’ apologizes to Paete woodcarver Pio Fadul and his family over ‘Gabi ng Lagim’ episode
Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho apologized to woodcarver Pio Fadul, his family, and the municipality of Paete, Laguna, after its Halloween episode sparked outrage for allegedly portraying the town's woodcarving industry as a source of curses and misfortune.
KMJS on Tuesday, Nov. 3, clarified that it maintains deep respect for Fadul's work and Paete’s rich woodcarving tradition.
“Iginagalang namin ang husay at sining ni Ginoong Pio Fadul at ng mga mang-uukit ng Paete. Kaya nang makarating sa amin ang salaysay tungkol sa mga karanasang iniugnay sa isa sa kanyang mga ukit, nakipag-ugnayan kami sa kanya at sa kanyang pamilya upang makuha ang kanilang panig,” the program said.
According to KMJS, the "Ukit" episode aired on Nov. 1 featured Fadul's works, along with his clarification that his creations are not inhabited by evil spirits.
The show also interviewed the Paete Historical and Cultural Heritage Foundation Inc., which emphasized that woodcarving is an integral part of their town’s livelihood and faith, and should not be feared. KMJS further clarified that the segment focused strictly on the experiences surrounding a specific carving, rather than Fadul's other works or woodcarving as a whole.
"Nililinaw namin na ang ulat ay tungkol sa mga karanasang iniugnay sa isang partikular na ukit at hindi dapat maging batayan upang iugnay sa masasamang elemento ang iba pang likha ni Fadul o ang Ukit Paete sa pangkalahatan," the statement continued.
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"Nauunawaan namin na maaaring makaapekto ang ulat sa industriya ng pag-uukit sa Paete, at hindi namin layuning makasira sa tiwala sa kanilang sining at kabuhayan," KMJS said.
KMJS stated that they are in direct contact with Fadul's family to address their concerns. "Humihingi kami ng paumanhin sa kanila at sa mga taga-Paete sa pagkabahala na naidulot ng ulat," the statement read.
"Nirerespeto at pinahahalagahan namin ang kanilang reputasyon, kabuhayan, at pamanang kultural. Maraming salamat po," it added.
Apologize or persona non grata
KJMS' "Gabi ng Lagim XIV" special sparked controversy after Paete residents said it portrayed Fadul's woodcarvings as sources of bad luck. The segment featured Nathan Reyes, guitarist for the band Lily, who shared his paranormal experiences connected to a specific wooden carving by Fadul that he had acquired.
On Tuesday, the Paete Sangguniang Bayan passed Resolution No. 166, pointing out that the Halloween special created an impression linking Fadul's work to curses and misfortune.
The council criticized Reyes' mention of Fadul and Paete, emphasizing that the identities involved should have been handled with proper context and care. Furthermore, local officials clarified that the town mayor had no intention of distributing supposedly cursed carvings as gifts to visitors.
The town council then gave GMA Network and KMJS 15 days to issue an explanation and apology to the people of Paete and Fadul's family or face a persona non grata declaration.
"Mahalagang pairalin ang responsableng pamamahayag, wastong konteksto, at paggalang sa kultura, paniniwala, at pagkakakilanlan ng bawat mamamayan," they reminded.
Paete Mayor Ronald Cosico, meanwhile, highlighted that they recognize the right of every individual to share their stories and views, but it is crucial to maintain proper context when sharing those.
"Gayunpaman, mahalaga ring magkaroon ng sapat na konteksto, pag-iingat, at responsibilidad sa paglalahad ng mga ganitong kuwento, lalo na kung may epekto ang mga ito sa pagkakakilanlan at reputasyon ng isang bayan," he wrote on Facebook.
Cosico said that they simply wish to ensure that Paete's history and woodcarving tradition are represented fairly and respectfully.
Fadul's family reacts
In a statement shared on Facebook, Fadul's family thanked KJMS for giving them the platform to share their story. While they emphasized that they respect and do not question Nathan's personal experience, they voiced concern over the segment's presentation, noting that it failed to provide sufficient context.
"Ang tinutukoy ng kanyang Misis/Asawa tungkol sa kanyang pahayag ay hindi tungkol sa KABABALAGHAN kundi tungkol sa pinagdaanang sakit sa pag-iisip ng kanyang asawa na si Pio," the statement read.
"Kaya naman nakalulungkot na maaaring maiugnay na lamang ng mga manonood ang kanyang mga likha sa sumpa o sa mga bagay na may kaugnayan sa demonyo, sa halip na makita ang husay, talento, at dedikasyon sa bawat obra," it continued.
The family thanked Fadul's supporters and expressed their hope that his woodcarvings will continue to be honored for the true craftsmanship, effort, and passion dedicated to each piece.
"Ang aming sining ay nagkukuwento ng husay at dedikasyon, hindi ng takot," they said.
