Wycoco: The cop who looks like an action star

NBI Director Reynaldo Wycoco can easily be mistaken for an action hero. He’s got the face and aura of a movie star. He has the quiet, intense demeanor that can make Saddam Hussein scamper off to the Kurdish mountains and hide until kingdom come. To some people, Wycoco is a real hero.

Among the achievements General Wycoco is proudest of are solving the double murder case of PR man Bubby Dacer and Emmanuel Corbito; the extradition of former Rep. Mark Jimenez to the US; and the filing of the charges that led to the arrest of the principals in the Pyramiding and Investment Scams, notably Rose Baladjay, Ervin Mateo and Maria Theresa Santos. But he is hoping one day soon that the NBI can resolve the Nida Blanca Case – aside from just having pressed charges against Philip Medel and Rod Strunk. The public is hungry for justice for beloved Nida.

Now, Wycoco has been tapped to play himself in Golden Lions’ NBI Files: The Cory Quirino Kidnap directed by Carlo J. Caparas and produced by Donna Villa.

Here’s a conversation I had with him as he talked about making the movie, his humble beginnings and many more:

Boy Abunda (BA): What came to mind when you saw yourself for the first time in the movie rushes?

Reynaldo Wycoco (RW): It was a different experience seeing yourself for the first time in a movie. I was excited.

BA: What did your family say when you told them you were appearing in a movie?

RW: Fortunately, they shared my feelings. They were also excited.

BA: Do you plan to make more movies?

RW: I enjoyed making the movie. I admire the professionalism of direk Carlo J. Caparas and the other members of the cast. I always say that being a Director of the NBI is easier than acting in the movies. But the result of the NBI Files: The Cory Quirino Kidnap will be a big factor in my future decision.

BA: Why did you follow a career in law enforcement?

RW: I come from three generations of policemen. My grandfather was a low-key but well-respected police officer while my grandmother’s father was a police officer. My father was also the chief of police of our town in Nueva Ecija. To me, law enforcement is a noble profession where you may have to offer your life if it becomes necessary. Your job is to rid society of criminals and bad elements so that everyone may live a peaceful life.

BA: Producer Donna Villa describes you as an officer and a gentleman…

RW: I believe in the value of courage, integrity and loyalty which have been my guideposts in my 38 years in the military, police and investigation service. Whether in the battle against the NPA or in fighting kidnappers, smugglers and other criminals, I consider justice the ultimate goal for all. I respect the rights of human beings and the rule of law. However, I will not hesitate to throw the book on any violator of the law or mete the severest punishment to my subordinates who disobey existing policies and regulations. They call me the General who "wears a nice smile but carries a big stick!"

BA: Tell me about your childhood and how you got into the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).

RW: I am the eldest of 10 children from a humble family. As a young boy, I had to work to finance my education through high school. I sold pan de sal, ice lollipop, vetsin and other things needed in our small town in Nueva Ecija. I wanted to become a lawyer but I did not have the money to pursue it. The PMA offered me a scholarship that relieved my parents from the burden of funding my education.

BA: You talk about the virtue of humility…

RW: I believe that our time on earth is borrowed time. Our successes are not our own doing but are gifts from our Lord which He can take away any time. So any kindness you can show or any goodness you can do, better show or do it now. For as Voltaire said, "You will not pass this way again."

BA: Why did you agree to do the movie?

RW: Because I wanted to highlight an NBI success story and to inform the public of what the NBI is all about. The movie also shows an inspiring story of a woman of courage and great faith and it also espouses the message that if you cooperate with the law enforcement authorities, there is a big possibility that the crime will be solved and the criminals will be put behind bars. Also, what enticed me is that there will be a series of premiere nights spearheaded by Carlo and Donna aimed to raise funds for different charities, including an organization of former employees and retired NBI agents that can cover medical expenses and emergency needs. I also think that this movie can "arrest" the slump that’s plaguing the movie industry. NBI Files: The Cory Quirino Kidnap is a quality movie that has social relevance and aesthetic value.

Magdilang Anghel ka sana, General Wycoco!

NBI Files: The Cory Quirino Kidnap opens on March 26. The movie stars award-winning actresses Ara Mina and Alessandra de Rossi with Mon Confiado, Tommy Abuel, Ian de Leon, Paolo Rivero and Zoren Legaspi, among others.

Cheers to Manny P.

Kudos to my good friend Manny Pangilinan, president of PLDT for immediately setting up free call centers for OFWs affected by the senseless war in Iraq. PLDT has set up Tawag Center throughout the country to help relatives of overseas Filipino workers to get in touch with their loved ones in the Middle East.

"As we wait for the war to end, PLDT is providing our fellow Filipinos working in the Middle East some assistance in the form of free calls," Manny says. There will be Tawag Centers at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Pasay and another at the Tahanan ng Masa in Malacañang. Touch cards will be donated to these Tawag Centers so OFW relatives can place long distance calls. PLDT will also install landlines in Tawag Centers set up by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in selected regional offices. Aside from long distance calls, PLDT also provides DSL access to selected OWWA regional branches.

"There are millions of Filipino overseas workers in the Middle East including Iraq. It is PLDT‘s commitment to Philippine society to provide whatever it could to help our fellow Filipinos there."

Mabuhay ka Manny!