‘Drug War’ team refuses to shy away from criticism, wants wider conversation

“Madami,” he said, referring to negative comments. “But we encourage that. Again, sinabi ko kanina, it’s not for a specific group. It’s not for a specific political leaning. It’s for everyone,” Praico said.

For the filmmaker, the criticism and ensuing discussions are part of what the series hopes to encourage: a wider conversation about the controversial drug war and the different perspectives surrounding it.

“And ‘yong engagements na ‘yon, again, makakatulong dun sa conversation, sa pag-usap, sa pagtingin sa mga panibagong perspektibo. And may matututunan tayo sa bawat perspective,” he added.

Rather than allowing the political controversy to define the project, Praico said the team remained focused on the human stories behind the Philippines’ bloody and divisive campaign against illegal drugs.

“We were very aware na itong subject matter is very sensitive, political, polarizing even,” he said. “But in the midst, sa gitna ng lahat ng ’to, are stories of people caught in this war against drugs.”

Praico also addressed concerns that the series could sensationalize the 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. But ang gusto namin makita ‘yong ibang perspektibo,” he explained.

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.

The series arrives amid the political and legal fallout of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign. Duterte is currently detained in The Hague following his arrest under an International Criminal Court warrant over alleged crimes against humanity linked to killings during his administration.

Set in 2017 and 2018, “Drug War: A Conspiracy of Silence” follows Fr. Tom Carillo, played by Ian Veneracion, 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.

The series also features John Arcilla, Lotlot de Leon, Romnick Sarmenta, Jane Oineza, Yayo Aguila, Joem Bascon, Ryan Eigenmann, and Gabby Padilla.

Produced by Rein Entertainment and KC Global Media, “Drug War: A Conspiracy of Silence” premiered its first three episodes on YouTube, with the remaining three set to drop every Thursday.

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