The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has banned the domestic exhibition of the film "Chasing Tuna in the Ocean” for depicting China’s nine-dash line that serves as it basis in claiming huge areas of the South China sea, including those that legally belong to the Philippines.

The decision, which includes an "X" rating categorizing the film as "Not for Public Exhibition" in the Philippines, was made following a thorough review by the MTRCB Committee on First Review.

The MTRCB committee concluded that the film's portrayal of the nine-dash line symbolizes China's territorial claim over the South China Sea, which is deemed as an affront to the Republic of the Philippines.

This depiction is considered violative of Section 3 (c) of Presidential Decree No. 1986 (PD No. 1986).

In response to the decision, MTRCB Chairperson and CEO Lala Sotto emphasized the board's commitment to upholding its mandate and ensuring that content that undermines the prestige of the Philippines is not tolerated.

Sotto stated: "As Filipinos, we shall not tolerate any content that undermines the prestige of the Republic of the Philippines."

While the film is currently banned from exhibition in the Philippines, producers have the option to request a second review from the Board by submitting a revised version of the film with the contentious scenes deleted, in compliance with the MTRCB Charter.

"Producers are not precluded from applying before the Board a request for a Second review...This serves as a reminder to producers to conform with MTRCB standards,” said Sotto.

"Chasing Tuna in the Ocean" documents the challenges faced by fishermen in the Indian Ocean as they fish for tuna, showcasing their courage and sense of duty from a nuanced perspective.