Actor McCoy de Leon admitted it was a huge challenge for him to play the role of Father Rhoel Gallardo, a Claretian priest who was killed in the forests of Basilan following a bloody clash between soldiers and members the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
Note that the upcoming film “In Thy Name” details not only the death of the priest but also the physical harm he experienced from his captors.
“Ang hirap kasi itinodo namin yung portrayal, as in totoong sampal, ihi, laway, ang naranasan ko sa pelikulang ito,” related McCoy.
They could have faked it but McCoy maintained, “Gusto ko rin kasi maramdaman kahit paano yung halos totoo para mas makatotohanan din ang pagganap ko. Siyempre, kapag in character ka na, kailangan idiin mo, talagang isasabuhay mo ito mula sa pinakaloob ng pagkatao mo.”
That he took on the role while also portraying a baddie in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” also added to the difficulties.
“Iba kasi ito dahil totoong tao si Father Rhoel at napakaimportante na hindi magkamali sa mga bagay-bagay, hindi lamang sa eksena kundi sa kilos at galaw niya. So dito, natuto ako kung paano mag-misa, mga responsibilities nang isang missionary. Basically, kung paano maging isang Father Rhoel.”
Directed by Ceasar Soriano and Rommel Galapia Ruiz, “In Thy Name” is an inspiring story of unwavering faith, love for peace, and unwavering heroism.
With a storyline inspired by the headline-grabbing abduction of Father Rhoel along with a number of students and faculty members several years ago, it is tense, dramatic, action-filled.
Said Ceasar, “Through this film, the viewing public will get to see what transpired up in the mountains where the captives were detained until the decisive battle between the military and the terrorists that led to their rescue.”
“We tried to be as authentic as possible, consulting those that survived the ordeal as well as some of the soldiers who were involved in the rescue operation.”
Apart from Mccoy, the film stars JC De Vera as Khadaffy Janjalani, Mon Confiado as Abu Sabaya, Jerome Ponce as Second Lieutenant Herbert Dilag, Yves Flores as First Lt. Andrew Bacala, Soliman Cruz as Principal Rey Rubio of the Claret School of Basilan, Aya Fernandez as Teacher Theresa, Kenken Nuyad as Reylios, Cassy Lavarias as Emylin, a child hostage, Alex Medina as Teacher Rosebert, Elora Españo as Teacher Lydda, Kat Galang as Teacher Anabelle, Ynez Veneracion as Teacher Gemma, Martin Escudero as Isnilon, JM Soriano as Abu Jandal, Ana Abad Santos as Raquel Gallardo, mother of Father Rhoel, Richard Quan as Dominador Gallardo, father of Father Rhoel, Gold Aceron as Dong Gallardo, brother of Father Rhoel, Aaron Villaflor as Captain Sabban, Pen Medina as MNLF Commander Talib Congo, and John Estrada as BGen. Narciso Abaya.
“In Thy Name” opens in cinemas March 5.
