‘Drug War’ director says series seeks understanding rather than changing viewers’ minds
MANILA, Philippines — When director Shugo Praico started working on the crime drama series “Drug War: A Conspiracy of Silence,” he bravely injected true-to-life accounts based on real stories. Some of those accounts were more severe than what was portrayed onscreen.
Set during a crucial time in the country’s history, “Drug War” was also written by Shugo with Jonathan Guillermo, produced by Rein Entertainment, with Lino Cayetano as executive producer.
The bold and daring six-part series was presented as a narrative rather than a documentary back in December 2024 at the Asia TV Forum and Film Market in Singapore.
Leading the cast of “Drug War” are Ian Veneracion and John Arcilla, with Ryan Eigenmann, Romnick Sarmenta, Joem Bascon, Yayo Aguila, Jane Oineza, Lotlot de Leon, Malou Crisologo, Gabby Padilla, Miggy Jimenez and Harvey Bautista.
“From the time we were conceptualizing the story more than a year ago, we, as storytellers, realized the stories of the people need to be heard,” said director Shugo. “We feel the stories of the characters the actors represent, they are stories that happen not just here in the Philippines but globally.
“These are stories in a critical period in our country’s history. That should not be forgotten. That should be known and heard by our countrymen and brought to a global audience. When we were doing this, we felt this was an opportunity to show the acting talents of our cast. Their talents need to be heard and seen in a global stage. Our intention is to bring the audience into the time it actually happened (in 2017).”
“Drug War” is unique, with a story that took place during a specific period in our society. “That happened in our history that shaped us to who we are today,” Shugo informed. “The story is very Filipino because of the talents, from the cast to the crew that put this series together. I hope you can spread the story and the aspect of the series.”
“Drug War” recently aired its third episode, with KC Global Media partnering with Rein Entertainment. “When we launched the series, KC Global liked it, so we partnered with them,” said direk Shugo. “This is a premium series, world-class. The look, the treatment, lights and all aspects of production, we made sure we are really proud of it, not just us but the whole Philippines.
“After the audience watched the series, we want to engage the viewers into a conversation between those people who saw it, what their views are, where they stand, what they believe in.
“We think through that conversation, there will be a catharsis and we will all learned from each other to have an understanding and eventually, it can lead to make us better. That is the goal of every storyteller. To share the story with his audience through the conversation with all those who watched. In the succeeding episodes, the interesting layers of the different characters in the series, will be revealed.”
There’s a situation in the series that involves the experience of a real vegetable vendor.
“This is a complex situation and a complex story with complex characters,” said writer Jonathan. “It is in this situation where he discovers a glimmer of truth. He discovers characters with different perspectives, different joys, different desires, different fears. Because we believe that it is in having these conversations that we go beyond our perspective and have a sliver of truth that you will savor above all, no matter what side you are on.”
Shugo refutes the idea that “Drug War” sensationalizes the controversial issue and the different perspectives surrounding it. Rather than allowing the political controversy to define the project, the team remained focused on the Philippines’ bloody campaign against illegal drugs.
For the first time, Ian Veneracion plays a priest named Father Tom, who runs a rehabilitation center on a quiet, isolated island. The community is shattered by the arrival of Kiko, a traumatized teenager coming from the streets of Manila, where he lost his father (played by Romnick Sarmenta) to a “tokhang” operation.
Harvey Bautista, who essays Kiko, was not worried about losing brand deals when he gave his nod to be in the series. “The fear of losing brand deals is valid,” said Harvey. “That’s work. But if my concern is losing a brand deal over being part of a group of people that you believe is something important, I think something went wrong on the way where you are now.
“What we do as artists, the only hesitance I have on this project is to tell the story right and lay out all the perspectives. When I try to describe the series, it is a war story. There is no fear or hesitance there.”
Through the perspective of Kiko, who is grieving the death of his father, the audience will feel his agony. “Sobrang kawawa ni Kiko,” said Harvey. “The only thing that’s in his head is to find out the truth about his father. From 2016 to 2018, the driving force of Kiko is witness the aftermath of his father’s death. That’s his motivation to keep going. You end up cheering for the character of Kiko. He needs to get his justice.”
Malou Crisologo plays Lydia, the assistant to Father Tom at the chapel, who initially judged Kiko’s father, whom she thought was really into drugs. “I like to believe that even the role was really small, that still helps in the story,” Malou said. “If the role of Lydia is not in the story, without her compassion, Episode 3, 4, 5 and 6 will not push through.
“Even if we are just a mere speck of dust in the eye, it still bothers the person. I see a lot of young people in the audience. Kahit puwing lang tayo, we have to be compassionate. It’s not too late to speak up. No matter what our role is, watching Episode 3, I’m sure you see yourself in the story. You are the child. Do you still need to wait to die, like Kiko and search for the truth at the last minute?”
“We were very aware na itong subject matter is very sensitive, political, polarizing even,” Shugo said. “But in the midst, sa gitna ng lahat ng ’to, are stories of people caught in this war against drugs.”
Shugo also addressed concerns that the series could sensationalize the drug issue, stressing that their intention was not to persuade viewers to adopt a particular position on the drug war.
“First off, we don’t want to change anyone’s views on what happened,” explained Shugo. “But we want to see the other perspectives.”
The director hopes that opening the conversation to different experiences and viewpoints could eventually lead to greater understanding. “And we feel through that conversation, mas magkaroon ng unawaan, and eventually sana healing,” he added.
Set in 2017 and 2018, “Drug War: A Conspiracy of Silence” follows Fr. Tom Carillo, a priest who faces a crisis of faith and joins a conscience-stricken policewoman in investigating the death of his former ward, Kiko, a recovering drug addict.
“Drug War” Episodes 1 to 3 are now airing on YouTube for free, with a new episode every Thursday night at 8.
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