West Philippine Sea docu withdraws from CinePanalo

MANILA -- The highly anticipated documentary "Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea" has been removed from the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, revealed festival director Chris Cahilig, just days before it starts. 

In a joint statement, Cahilig and the documentary's director Baby Ruth Villarama wrote: "We regret to confirm that "Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea" has been pulled out from the CinePanalo Festival. While the decision was made jointly by the festival organizers and film creators, it is clear that external factors played a role in this outcome."

Baby Ruth Villarama’s documentary on West Philippine Sea creates buzz 

"We appreciate the continued support from those who believe in the film's importance and will announce alternative screenings soon." 

Villarama's much-talked-about entry would have been the first documentary in the festival produced by Puregold, which is owned by Forbes' one of the wealthiest Chinese-Filipino families. 

According to Villarama, the film, which addresses the continuing maritime conflict between the Philippines and China, is ultimately about empathy. 

“We want the audience to understand that sovereignty is not just a political issue; it’s a deeply personal one for every Filipino,” Villarama previously said. 

She also said, “Atin ang West Philippine Sea. Pero marami pa rin sa kababayan natin ang naiipit sa kaguluhan dito. Marami rin ang gustong tumulong.”