Award-winning actor Ian Veneracion says he agreed right away to join "Drug War: A Conspiracy of Silence" after reading the script, calling it a story that needed to be told.

For him, the six-part series is not just a political drama. It revisits a painful period in Philippine history that continues to shape public conversations today.

“The drug war was a chilling part of our history. It is something I believe should not be forgotten,” he said.

The series recently held a private screening, where viewers described it as gripping, raw, gritty, and deeply real.

Veneracion believes the series is important not only for Filipinos but also for international audiences because it tackles issues of justice, fear, rehabilitation, and accountability.

“I think most of us know someone who knows someone who has been part of that. The stories are out there,” he said.

He explained that the series is not meant to tell people what to think or provide solutions.

“We are not here to solve problems or give answers. We are here to show different perspectives. That is the intention,” Veneracion said. “Through the series, we show how different people deal with the drug problem. Iba iba ang pananaw.”

In the series, Veneracion plays Father Tom, a priest who runs a rehabilitation center in a province. His character becomes involved in the death of a rehabilitated drug user, played by Harvey Bautista.

For Veneracion, the role is emotionally demanding because it explores a priest struggling with shaken faith.

“I wanted to understand his faith, which is shaken because of what is happening. He starts to question if he can still stand by what he believes,” he said.

Directed by Shugo Praico and produced by KC Global Media and Rein Entertainment, the series is designed to spark conversation rather than provide answers.

“These are stories that need to be heard not just in the Philippines but globally,” Praico said.

He added that the goal is to bring different perspectives into one shared discussion.

“When people talk about it, no matter what their view is, there is understanding. There is catharsis,” he said.

Veneracion agreed.

“We are not here to preach or give answers. We are here to tell stories and ask questions,” he said.

He added that dialogue is key to understanding complex social issues.

“What we want is for people to talk about it. Through that, we hope people understand each other better,” he said.

For Veneracion, the project reflects what he has valued most in his long career in acting.

“I am not interested in political personalities. I am interested in policies and the human stories behind them,” he said.