MANILA, Philippines — GMA Network’s news magazine program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) has issued a public apology to Paete woodcarver Pio Fadul and his family following widespread concern over a Halloween segment that linked local woodcarvings to paranormal events.
The controversy stemmed from a November 1 episode titled “Ukit,” part of the program’s Gabi ng Lagim XIV special. The segment featured an account by Nathan Reyes, guitarist of the band Lily, regarding alleged disturbances at his home after displaying a La Pietà woodcarving he received as a gift in Paete.
Prior to the broadcast, promotional materials posted on social media featured Reyes describing unusual occurrences.
“Possessed daw ang inuwi naming inukit na plaka!” Reyes said.
The feature included interviews with Fadul, who clarified that his works were not inhabited by evil entities, and representatives from the Paete Historical and Cultural Heritage Foundation Inc., who stressed that the town’s woodcarving tradition represents faith and livelihood rather than something to be feared.
Following feedback and local backlash, KMJS released a statement on November 3 addressing the concerns.
“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 program stated.
“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 added, noting that the production team had reached out directly to the Fadul family.
In a statement posted on Facebook on November 2, the Fadul family expressed concern that the segment lacked sufficient context regarding the cultural value of the artwork and the woodcarver’s background, clarifying that comments regarding personal health struggles were unrelated to paranormal occurrences.
Concurrently, the Sangguniang Bayan of Paete unanimously approved Resolution No. 166 on November 3, demanding a formal correction and public clarification from GMA Network.
The municipal council warned that associating the town’s centuries-old heritage as the “Carving Capital of the Philippines” with cursed objects could negatively impact local artisans, tourism, and the municipal economy.