NHCP hits blunder in Fil-Am’s rap song

BY CALVIN CORDOVA

CEBU CITY – The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has also criticized the controversial lyrics of a song popularized by a Filipino-American rapper.

NHCP chairperson Rene Escalante said rapper Ez Mil erred when he came up with the line “nanalo na ako nung una pa pinugutan si Lapu sa Mactan” in his rap song entitled “Panalo.”

“Lapu-Lapu was definitely not killed in the battle of Mactan. The battle was victory of our ancestors led by him,” said Escalante in a statement.

Escalante said the NHCP “welcomes new songs that inspire people to think great and be informed of their history.”

The NHCP however appealed to artists to be more factual.

“But let us not compromise history and be conscious of our accountability on what we are conveying to our people,” said Escalante.

As the country is set to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Victory at Mactan on April 27, the NHCP reminded the public how the nation’s heroes recognized the contributions of Lapu-Lapu.

“Let us be reminded how the founders and heroes of the Filipno nation reckoned to Lapu-Lapu and Mactan as source of pride and dignity,” a portion of the statement read.

“Emilio Jacinto, for example, wrote a poem in 1895 reminding the members of the Katipunan that in their veins ran the blood of Lapu-Lapu.

Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista memorialized the same in the document proclaiming Philippine independence he penned and read before the Filipino people on 12 June 1898,” added NHCP.

Lapu-Lapu City Junard “Ahong” Chan has earlier blasted Mil for the controversial lyrics of the song.

Chan lamented that the lyrics was a form of mockery and a disrespect to Lapu-Lapu.

On February 18, the City Council will tackle a proposed resolution condemning the lyrics.

The resolution will also seek a public apology from the rapper. (Calvin D. Cordova)