NEWSFLASH

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CENSORS RAID, CLOSE GENERAL SANTOS CINEMA

Manila, Nov. 10, 1998 - Errant producers and theater owners outside Metro Manila who used to think they can get away with violations of the Presidential Decree No. 1986 are now on their toes.

Last week, agents of the Movie Television Review and Classification Board, with the assistance of the National Bureau of Investigation, closed down the People's Cinema in General Santos City.

The owners of the theater were cited for the following violations: 1) admission of minors below 18 years old to a film rated R-18; 2) non-posting of the Exhibition Permit; 3) non -registration of the theater.

Following procedures, the theater remains preventively closed for 20 days while the theatre owner is given 5 days to explain why stricter sanctions should not be imposed. Penalties in this case ma mean closure of the movie house for as long as five months.

The MTRCB agents were in Mindanao armed with a Special Order from MTRCB Chairman Armida Siguion Reyna whose office received reports from concerned citizens regarding the violations.

The MTRCB thanked the responsible citizens who continue to prod the office to take action against indiscriminate and erring producers, distributors and theater owners.