The extent to which human rights violation within the society was shown in this film. Not only in places like Sta. Filomena does this happen. The case even worsens through media by means of manipulation.

This is supported by Stuart Hall Critical theory which says that media is a means by which the haves of the society, given the willing support of the have-nots, to maintain the status quo. In this case, the have-nots are the people of the community who are deceived or those who don't have a choice but to appear as if they are willing to submit, and the media people who often conform with the orientation, values and interest of the station they are in because they don't have power. This is how, as the theory suggests, the news media promote the interest of the dominant groups within the society and tend to cover up unjust social relations.

Media reportage on the actual happenings was reversed many times. These can be proven by the scene wherein a group of men, after playing basketball, were confronted by the Orapronobis when accused of being rebels. They were killed because of this, but the newspapers stated that they were inevitably killed in an encounter with the former. The vigilantes (Orapronobis) appeared good in the eyes of the public because of their claims that they were formed by the people to promote order and peace. People were made to believe them through interviews on TV and newspaper reportage.

What media contains is largely dependent on who holds power that's why what was reported in the newspapers, on radio and television was such. The media can be powerful instruments to maintain the status quo because it often functions to maintain the dominance of those already in power.

Although chances were given to the laypeople to express their grievances, their stand didn make as much impact on media as that of the authorities. Instead of clearing things up, media became an instrument for deception of the public of what was happening by setting its own agenda. This is one proof of how people of different social strata compete to grab the chance to be heard.

One documentation on human rights violation in the Southern Tagalog region was produced by KARAPATAN, a group that helps on the perpetuation of human rights. It showed how lay people were abused and killed by the military because being accused as NPA. They also killed those who supply basic necessities to the rebels to drain support coming from the people. These have been happening since the early parts of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo term but we never see them on TV or read them in the newspapers. The group had been accompanying media people in the said region but are still waiting for these to be broadcast. Up to now, nothing done about it. Why is this the case? We know the answer.

Media helps form the kind of reality the masses will perceive and deal with. This becomes the source of their opinions, beliefs and ideologies. Because of this, the media must perform its functions as the fourth estate. But the people were betrayed.