Educational Media Reviews Online

Delikado takes place in Palawan, an archipelagic province of the Philippines known for its beautiful sandy beaches and home to one of the oldest rainforests, it is also home to many indigenous people. Its beauty naturally has drawn tourists and businessmen looking to profit off of the tourism industry by building resorts. Malakunas’ documentary is an emotional and educational eco-thriller; it will captivate viewers with scenes of natural beauty, tense altercations, and political manipulation.

The Philippine government and officials publicly claim to support preservation of the rainforest and waters surrounding Palawan with policies threatening severe punishments for those in violation of the laws meant to protect the natural resources and illegal logging and fishing. However, the film exposes these laws and regulations as little more than a façade to protect high ranking, corrupt officials who stand to profit from the destruction of the forests in order to build new resorts. The film follows the work of Atty, Bobby Chan and the Palawan NGO Network Inc. (PNNI) para-enforcers who conduct citizens arrests on loggers and fishermen in violation of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) Chainsaw Act and Wildlife Act.

At great risk of personal harm and potential death, the para-enforcers sabotage and confiscate chainsaws and boats, and arrest those breaking the laws. Unfortunately, many of the individuals that are apprehended are poor and committing crimes out of perceived necessity. The true perpetrators are the government officials standing to profit from the illegal logging and fishing practices. The same government officials use their positions of power to threaten those working to preserve the natural resources of Palawan. Attorney Bobby Chan, the PNNI para enforcers, and local government officials with Palawan’s interests at heart are in constant danger by officials, many with ties directly to (now former) President Rodrigo Duterte.

The film closes with scenes showing the fight of Chan and the PNNI para-enforcers continues even with increasing pressure from the Philippine government. Palawan has become one of the most dangerous places on earth for environmentalists, and despite support from international organizations, it is still an uphill battle. The film underscores the importance of local inhabitants’ involvement and agency, to ensure sustainable economic development that will directly benefit residents, not only powerful and influential individuals with no ties to the area.

Viewer discretion is advised. Though no violence is directly shown, the gut-wrenching scenes of a family and community mourning the loss of a loved one may be disturbing to some viewers. The film is well-shot and edited, emotionally charged, and informative. Though some prior knowledge of the Philippine government could be helpful, it is not necessary as the film does a nice job of carefully explaining the relevant history and decisions surrounding the topic.

This film’s content is appropriate for academic programs about ecology/sustainability and general adult audiences. Closed captioning is provided when Filipino is being spoken, but not when English is spoken.

Awards:
Winner of Sustainable Future Award at Sydney Film Festival 2022; Best Documentary at Newburyport Documentary Film Festival 2022; Winner of both Best Documentary and Best Cinematography in the Social Impact Media Awards 2023; Winner of the William W. Warner Beautiful Swimmers Award at DCEFF 2023

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