‘Drug War’ creators pushed through despite criticism from previous government

The team behind the limited series “Drug War: A Conspiracy of Silence” pushed through with the project despite receiving negative comments from the previous administration as director Shugo Praico explained they remained focused on telling the human stories behind the Philippines’ controversial drug war.

Praico made the remarks during a talkback session following the screening of the series’ third episode on Wednesday, Aug. 12.

The series, led by actors Harvey Bautista and Miggy Jimenez, tackles the impact of the government’s anti-drug campaign through the stories of people caught in the conflict.

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Praico revealed that they received comments from the previous government but opted not to specify what kind.

“Madami [negative comments]. But we encourage that. Again, sinabi ko kanina, it’s not for a specific group. It’s not for a specific political leaning. It’s for everyone. And ‘yung engagements na yun, again, makakatulong dun sa conversation, sa pag-usap, sa pagtingin sa mga panibagong perspektibo. And may matututunan tayo sa bawat perspective,” he explained.

Praico acknowledged that the subject matter was sensitive but emphasized they did not want the political issues to overshadow the people whose lives were affected by it.

“We were very aware na itong subject matter is very sensitive, political, polarizing even,” he said. “But in the midst, sa gitna nung lahat ng ’to, are stories of people caught in this war against drugs.”

“So may mga nanay, kwento ng nanay na nawalan ng anak, mga anak na nawalan ng magulang, communities shaped by sa nangyari sa paligid nila. So ito yung mga gusto namin i-capture, these human stories,” he added.

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Praico also addressed criticisms that the series could be sensationalized, explaining that they were not trying to change the audience’s views about what happened during the drug war.

“First off, we don’t want to change anyone’s views on what happened. But ang gusto namin makita ‘yung ibang perspektibo,” he said. “And we feel through that conversation, mas magkaroon ng unawaan, understanding, and eventually sana healing.”

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“Drug War: A Conspiracy of Silence” is particularly relevant amid the continuing political and legal repercussions of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign. Duterte is currently detained in The Hague, Netherlands, following his arrest pursuant to an International Criminal Court warrant over alleged crimes against humanity linked to killings during his administration.

Set sometime between 2017 and 2018, the series follows Fr. Tom Carillo, played by Ian Veneracion, a privileged priest who experiences a crisis of faith and becomes involved with a conscience-stricken policewoman in investigating the death of his former ward, Kiko, a recovering drug addict.

The series also stars John Arcilla, Lotlot de Leon, Romnick Sarmenta, Jane Oineza, Yayo Aguila, Joem Bascon, Ryan Eigenmann and Gabby Padilla.

“Drug War: A Conspiracy of Silence” is produced by Rein Entertainment and KC Global Media. Its first three episodes are available on YouTube, with the remaining three episodes set to be released every Thursday. /ra