Artists opt out of ‘OPM against drugs’ concert in Pasay City over EJK issue

Some artists have canceled their appearance for the annual Rakrakan music festival, scheduled to be held at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds in Pasay City on Saturday.

The festival this year doubled as a campaign against drugs and the organizers stated that they aim "to raise awareness on drug abuse and addiction through music and the arts."

The theme "OPM Against Drugs Festival" was also prominently featured on press materials circulated online.

However, the theme was met with some opposition, with some citing that the seemingly cavalier attitude of certain authorities on the rising number of drug-related deaths was a cause for concern.

One of the banner artists, BP Valenzuela, on January 9 posted on Twitter that organizers Rakista Radio were not clear about their position on the alleged extrajudicial killings (EJKs) under the Duterte Administration.

the rakista radio ppl have done a lot for local music but they didn't tell the artists about the messaging of the festival before the promos

— big papi ?? .? ?? (@valenzuelabp) January 9, 2017

#opmagainstdrugs is an attempt to distance themselves from the reputation of the fest being full of stoners. but it doesn't mean it's right

— big papi ?? .? ?? (@valenzuelabp) January 9, 2017

Valenzuela confessed that she is staunchly against the reported killings and added, "[I] don't want my playing to be misconstrued as support for the admin's war. [I]f anything [I] hope there is a proper avenue for drug education."

On Thursday, Valenzuela officially announced that she will no longer be participating in the concert.

pic.twitter.com/jDhJNzVTHB

— big papi ?? .? ?? (@valenzuelabp) January 13, 2017

Fellow headliner Bullet Dumas on Thursday also announced that he is cancelling his appearance, citing the same concerns as Valenzuela.

"My personal beliefs and convictions may be challenged if I continue to join the show," Dumas wrote. "Ayaw ko sa droga dahil sapat na ang amats ng musika para sa akin. Ngunit tinututulan ko ang walang patumanggang pagpatay ng mga sinasabing sangkot sa droga."

Rakrakan's official page announced on Friday that Techy Romantics, Taken By Cars, and KZ Tandingan will also no longer be participating.

Techy Romantics, Taken By Cars, and KZ Tandingan did not mention the theme or EJKs in their posts about their withdrawal from the show.

The Rakrakan organizers did not comment further on the issues raised by Valenzuela and Dumas but had underscored the fact that they do not support EJKs.

Rakista Radio business development manager Keith De Latorre, in his personal Facebook account on Thursday, encouraged artists who are against EJKs to use the Rakrakan stage to "scream their hate" right at PNP Chief Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa's face.

"If you are really serious about your advocacy against extra-judicial killings, then I challenge you to use your voice and influence as an artist, and take a stand at the event itself. Up on stage. In front of literally tens of thousands of people. Right at the Chief's face," De Latorre wrote.

Modern heroism advocate group Dakila, whose members include a number of influential local artists, released a statement on Friday applauding "the strong stance of Rakrakan against EJKs and its efforts to contribute its voice on the campaign against drugs."

However, the group also noted the conflicting message sent by the event.

"Supporting the drive to curb drug use among the youth is one thing, encouraging support for how the government is tackling the country’s drug problem is another issue," the statement read.

"Rakrakan, in its statement, encourages participating artists to use the stage as a platform to express their dissent to EJKs but is quick to dismiss that non-participation is a lazy way to fight the battle."

Dakila explained: "The cornerstone of the government’s war on drugs is condoning extra-judicial killings. These EJKs erase the value of human life, disregard the rule of law and tramples on human rights; they are merely short-cut solutions to the drug problem that is deeply entrenched in poverty and other complex social issues."

"Supporting the government’s drug war means disregarding the casualties and collateral damage of this war. In other words, endorsement of government’s anti-drug campaign, in essence supports EJKs," Dakila added.

"Rakrakan: OPM Against Drugs Festival" is organized by Rakista Radio in parternship with the Pasay City Anti-Drug Abuse Council and Dangerous Drugs Board and other sponsors. — AT/VVP, GMA News