Coco Martin apologizes over Muslim stereotype in ‘Batang Quiapo’; Robin Padilla appeals for understanding
Actor and director Coco Martin has apologized to the Muslim community after receiving complaints about negative stereotyping of Muslims in his popular Kapamilya teleserye “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.”

In the February 14 episode, Coco’s character, Tanggol, is portrayed stealing a necklace and fleeing from cops towards a building occupied by Muslims, which reportedly offended some viewers.

In a show of humility, Coco visited Senator Robin Padilla’s office on Thursday, relayed his apology over the controversial scene, and admitted he has a lot to learn about Islam.

Padilla accepted Coco’s humble gesture and expressed hope other Muslims would understand the actor.

“I listened to his explanation and felt his sincerity – as an actor-director to a fellow actor-director – in apologizing to all who may have been hurt,” Padilla said.

According to Padilla, Coco’s intention was pure, and he did not mean to offend anyone.

“He admitted that he has a lot to learn about Islam. Thus, instead of criticizing his shortcomings, I appeal to you to understand him,” he said.

On the controversial “Batang Quiapo” scene, Padilla stressed that Islam forbids theft, which is considered a major offense. He understood that Muslims were hurt by the portrayal of Muslims consenting to a theft as well as the showing of religious images such as the Golden Mosque, adhan (call to prayer), and garments used by Muslims in prayer.

The Batang Quiapo producers meanwhile have vowed to be “more sensitive” in the portrayal of sectors of society, especially images of culture, tradition and religion.

“My prayer is for all our sectors and industries to do their part to end this ugly stereotype of Muslims and the Islamic faith. In sha Allah,” Padilla said.

Coco Martin, admits lack of knowledge about Islam, apologizes to Robin Padilla
Senator Robinhood “Robin” Padilla said that director and actor Coco Martin personally came to his office to apologize for the controversial scene in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.” The actor admitted that he lacked knowledge about Islam.

“I am here today to make a statement regarding an episode of the teleserye Batang Quiapo that aired on February 14, Tuesday – which we can say has drawn the attention of our countrymen, particularly our Muslim community,” Padilla said in a statement on Thursday, February 16.

“I understand that our brothers and sisters were hurt by the portrayal that Muslims condone the theft of Tanggol’s character. Along with this, there was the use of religious images, such as the Golden Mosque, adhan (this is the call to prayer), and the clothes used in prayer by a Muslim,” he added.

The senator also emphasized that any kind of theft is a great sin in Islam, including condoning any thief. We want to emphasize that any kind of theft is a great sin, haram or forbidden in Islam, as is condoning any thief.

“In this regard, I would like to inform you that Mr. Director Coco Martin personally came to my office to give his explanation for the controversial part of his teleserye,” Padilla said.

I personally heard, saw and felt the sincere apology of my fellow actor and director to all those who were hurt by the said portrayal,” he said.

The senator also said he is sure that Coco has no bad intentions because he himself guarantees that his intentions are good. The actor also admitted that he lacks knowledge of Islam. Therefore, Padilla called for not criticizing the actor’s shortcomings but instead working together to overcome them.

“My dear brothers and sisters, I guarantee the good intentions of Mr. Coco Martin. And I am sure that he has no bad intentions towards anyone. He admits that his knowledge of Islam is lacking, so instead of mocking his shortcomings, I am calling on you to work together to overcome it.

“The ten members of Batang Quiapo promise to be more careful and sensitive in portraying sectors, especially when the image of culture, tradition, and even religion depends on it.

“The Muslim community in Manila, particularly in Quiapo – is truly rich and colorful, penetrating thousands of pages of our history. Our prayer is: may all industries in the country join us so that we can finally put an end to the negative stereotypes about Muslims and the Islamic faith. In sha Allah,” the senator continued.

In the last part of the statement, Padilla had a message for his Muslim brothers and sisters to stop mocking.

“To my Muslim brothers and sisters, In sha Allah, this event is also a unique opportunity for us to further strengthen ourselves through da’wah to inform our society about the Islamic faith – which is rooted in the spirit of peace and goodness to God and others.

“My brothers and sisters, there are things happening that we don’t like. At first glance, it may seem bad, but this is what we see, this is beautiful for da’wah. This is an opportunity for us all to come out and da’wah about the correct teachings of Islam. Let’s not mock. Let’s not mock our non-Muslim brothers and sisters, who don’t know our faith. Rather, let’s embrace them, talk to them, this is an opportunity for them to know what Islam is.”

It can be recalled that the production of “Batang Quiapo” has also released a statement regarding the controversial scene.