Now it can be told: the movie on the Mamasapano massacre is ready to be shown this year.
This was announced by Borracho Films during the recent Zoom media conference for the much-awaited movie "Mamasapano: Now It Can Be Told."
The Mamasapano clash tells about the 44 elite Special Action Force (SAF) troopers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who sacrificed their lives to neutralize international terrorists in Mamasapano, Maguindanao in 2015.
In the same press conference, Edu Manzano recalled the thrill and challenges of playing the role of former Philippine National Police (PNP) Deputy Chief of Operations Major General Benjamin Magalong.
"I wanted it to be as authentic as possible. Kilala ko si Mayor Magalong. Grabe yung fit na fit yung clothes niya talaga. He’s the epitome of an officer and a gentleman. Wala kang makikitang tiyan-tiyan diyan. So, nagpagawa ako ng sarili kong damit. Ang gusto ko lang, yung mga bars, medals, and ribbons. And that is something that you accumulate over the years from gallantry in action to medal of valors," Manzano said.
The multi-awarded actor also said that Magalong lent him these precious medals and ribbons to make his role really authentic.
"So lahat ‘yan, natutunan ko ‘yan kay Eddie Garcia, e. Napakaimportante sa isang heneral yung kanyang mga isinusuot na bars, ribbons, and stars. Ipinahiram sa akin lahat yun ni General Magalong, lahat. So importante, kapag hindi kami nag-shooting, parang mas mahalaga pa sa akin yun," the actor said.
But Manzano revealed he almost lost Magalong's paraphernalia.
"Natakot ako na what if one day, may mawala doon, and that has years and years of actual exploits and experiences while in the military. And to be honest, one day, hindi ko mahanap nung babalik kami sa shooting. Takot na takot ako. Hindi ko mahanap kasi nasa gitna ako ng lipat-bahay so medyo nawala. Takot na takot ako. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko," he said.
Manzano added: "Hindi ako takot kasi makakabili ako ng ribbons, walang problema. Pero after the shooting, kailangan kong isoli kay General Magalong. Baka it will be the last time I ever get to visit Baguio. God was on my side. Nahanap ko yung pinaglagyan ko, yung maleta kung saan ko itinago."
The 66-year-old actor admitted that the Mamasapano movie is one of the toughest films he has done.
"Ang dami ko nang nagawang live characters, some of the most interesting characters I could have portrayed. Pero ang trahedya na kasama dito sa Mamasapano is something I hope I will never have to go through again. Kasi, nabasa ko yung isang libro and I also went through the entire findings of the Board of Inquiry," Manzano said.
"It was a very, very sad story. It could have been avoided, but it’s a story that has to be told if only to seek justice for those who are no longer with us, but also to seek justice for those who are still living," he added.