Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) has issued an apology following public concern over its recent Halloween episode, which featured a Paete woodcarver and one of his creations.
In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, KMJS addressed the controversy surrounding its “Gabi ng Lagim XIV” special, which aired on Nov. 1.
One of its featured stories, titled “Ukit,” recounted OPM band Lily guitarist Nathan Reyes’ paranormal experience involving a La Pietà woodcarving he received as a gift following the band’s performance in Paete, Laguna.
A day after the episode aired, the family of Pio Fadul, the woodcarver behind the featured piece, expressed concern over how he and his work were portrayed in the segment.
In a statement, the family said they appreciated the opportunity to be interviewed by KMJS but did not expect Fadul’s creation to be featured in a horror story that could create a misleading impression about him and his craft.
While acknowledging Reyes’ right to share his personal experience, the family questioned how the story was presented, saying it did not accurately explain Fadul’s background as a woodcarver and the value of his creations.
They expressed concern that viewers might associate his works with curses or demonic elements instead of recognizing the craftsmanship and dedication behind each piece.
“Ang aming sining ay nagkukuwento ng husay at dedikasyon, hindi ng takot,” Fadul’s family said.
Meanwhile, on Nov. 3, the Sangguniang Bayan of Paete passed Resolution No. 166, giving GMA Network and KMJS 15 days to address the concerns raised over the episode.
The resolution seeks to protect the town’s reputation, cultural heritage, and centuries-old woodcarving tradition, amid residents’ concerns that the Halloween feature could negatively affect the local industry and tourism.
Among the council’s demands were an explanation and appropriate clarification regarding what it considered an inaccurate portrayal of Paete’s woodcarving heritage.
The resolution also warned that failure to comply within 15 days of receiving a copy could prompt the council to pass another resolution declaring the concerned organizations and personalities persona non grata.
In response, KMJS clarified that its report had also featured Fadul’s craftsmanship and his statement that his creations were not inhabited by evil entities.
“Sa kuwentong ‘Ukit’ na ipinalabas sa KMJS noong Nobyembre 1, 2026, itinampok ang kanyang mga likha at husay bilang manlililok, kasama ang kanyang paglilinaw na hindi pinamumugaran ng masasamang elemento ang kanyang mga gawa,” the program said.
KMJS added that it consulted the Paete Historical and Cultural Heritage Foundation Inc., which emphasized that woodcarving is an important part of the town’s livelihood and cultural identity.
“Kinapanayam din namin ang Paete Historical and Cultural Heritage Foundation Inc., na nagbigay-diin na ang pag-uukit ay bahagi ng kabuhayan at pananampalataya ng kanilang bayan at hindi ito dapat katakutan. Nililinaw namin na ang ulat ay tungkol sa mga karanasang iniugnay sa isang partikular na ukit at hindi dapat maging batayan upang iugnay sa masasamang elemento ang iba pang likha ni Fadul o ang Ukit Paete sa pangkalahatan,” it added.
Acknowledging the possible impact of the report on Paete’s woodcarving industry, the program said it had reached out to the Fadul family to discuss their concerns.
KMJS also apologized to the family and the people of Paete for the concern caused by the report.
“Rinerespeto at pinahahalagahan namin ang kanilang reputasyon, kabuhayan, at pamanang kultural,” the statement concluded.
