“How can I say no to a project that’s as timely as today’s headlines, like they always say,” Ian Veneracion blurted out when asked what attracted him to the 6-part mini-series, “Drug War: A Conspiracy of Silence.”

The veteran actor, otherwise known for his sweet, caring characterizations on TV dramas, said taking part in a serious undertaking as Drug War is a social responsibility.

“Actors have a unique role to play in society. One of them is to portray social realities that we have to address properly,” he said during the premiere of the stressful, tension-filled pilot episode at a mall in Mandaluyong City.

In the series, a set of one-hour episodes each, Veneracion plays Father Tom Carillo, a sympathetic character who opens his convent to young people on their way to rehabilitation from drug use.

“Drug War: A Conspiracy of Silence” is described as a gripping crime drama that follows Fr. Tom, a once-privileged priest who’s lost everything, as he teams up with a guilt-ridden cop in their fight to expose a deadly conspiracy.

The veteran actor explained that the show isn’t meant to preach, lecture, or give solutions. More important is the chance it gives to show the different perspectives of those involved in the very real war against drugs.

Produced by Rein Entertainment and KC Global Media, the series, based on true events, hopes to reach a global audience, according to director Shugo Praico.

Praico says the world has to know and hear the stories of these people.

These stories, he says, resonate, not just in the Philippines but also globally.

“This is a story of a critical period in our history, a story na hindi natin dapat makalimutan,” Praico said.

True enough, the pilot episode left us stunned, and yet quite stressed by its boldness. The fast-paced narrative boasted gripping performances by leads Romnick Sarmenta and Harvey Bautista, who makes an auspicious debut here.

Cast in featured roles are Jane Oineza, John Arcilla, Lotlot de Leon, Yayo Aguila, Joem Bascon, Ryan Eigenmann, and Gabby Padilla.

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