Scorned Kidapawan student imitating a ‘PWD walk’ in viral video apologizes

KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews / 14 January) — A viral video showing a male student mimicking a mobility disability and his companions laughing out loud on it drew indignation and ire from persons with disabilities (PWDs) and concerned netizens for being disrespectful and insensitive to the plight of differently-abled individuals. 

Screenshot from the viral video..

He issued a public apology following the backlash the video generated on social media.

The video, uploaded, among others, by the Facebook page of the Oblates-owned 747 DXND Radyo Bida Kidapawan City, showed the young man crossing the pedestrian lane with a walking disability holding the hand of a girl. After they crossed the street, he walked straight like an ordinary person. A female voice can be overheard saying “PWD” as the group burst into laughter at the scene that took place in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato. It generated 2.5k reactions, 248 comments and 138 shares as of 10:27 a.m. Wednesday.

The Persons with Disability Affairs Office of Kidapawan City (PDAO) condemned the viral video uploaded last Monday for disrespecting the PWDs.

Louie Quebec, PDAO disability affairs officer, said the actions shown in the viral video undermine the dignity, rights, and daily struggles of the PWD community.

He said the male student voluntarily went to the PDAO, following the backlash generated by his “detestable” act on social media.

“The individual admitted to the mistake, expressed sincere remorse for the act, and formally apologized to the PWD community,” Quebec said in a statement.

He added that the student “has committed that such an act will never be repeated and has pledged to become an advocate for persons with disabilities by promoting respect, awareness, and understanding of PWD rights.”

Radyo Bida Kidapawan reported that the young man, whom it identified as alias “Eko,” did the “monkey walk” or mobility disability mimicking to cross the street “to slow down incoming tricycles for another companion who is actually a PWD.”

The student also apologized to the PWD community through the radio station.

“Mangayo ko dispensa and sorry sa inyoha kay dili jud namo intension to mock,” he said.

Facebook user Archie Orville Fudolino Butal, one of those who shared the video, slammed Eko and his group for their action, which he described as mocking the PWD community.

“It is deeply disappointing to see how some students today have become so entitled that they even make fun of our brothers and sisters with disabilities. Such behavior reflects a serious lack of empathy, respect, and values, and this act has no place in any learning institution or in society,” the enraged netizen posted.

Anto Fermil, president of the North Cotabato Persons With Disability Provincial Federation, also condemned the incident.

“It’s a clear violation, an act against the rights and dignity of the PWD sector. I’m calling for inclusion, non-discrimination and equal opportunity in society for the rights and privileges of PWDs,” he said via Facebook Messenger.

Citing Republic Act 9442 or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability as Amended and for Other Purposes, Fermil noted the student’s action “falls under public ridicule and vilification” of PWDs.

RA 9442 defines public ridicule as an act of making fun or contemptuous imitating or making mockery of persons with disability whether in writing, or in words, or in action due to their impairment/s.

The law penalizes a first-time violator with a fine of not less than ₱50,000 but not exceeding ₱100,000 or imprisonment of not less than six months but not more than two years, or both at the discretion of the court.

For any subsequent violation, a fine of not less than ₱100,000 but not exceeding ₱200,000 or imprisonment for not less than two years but not more than six years, or both at the discretion of the court. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)