New action series asks: Should political dynasties continue to rule?
While it’s the high-octane fight and chase scenes that immediately stand out in “Blood vs Duty’s” promotional assets, it’s the whys behind every exchange of bullets and clash of swords that elevate ABS-CBN’s new series from typical primetime fare to a reflection on family, loyalty, and national interest under systemic pressures.
The story follows special agent Marcus Reyes (Richard Gutierrez), who is assigned to mitigate alleged illegal firearms and rampant gun violence in a Tausug fishing community in Zamboanga. However, Jalil Abubakar (Gerald Anderson), son of the local datu, views the crackdown as an intrusion that threatens the peace and traditions of his family and the people he vows to protect.
As tension escalates, it becomes apparent that the situation isn’t a matter of simple law enforcement. Powerful political figures might be pulling strings behind the scenes in pursuit of their own selfish interests. So will the conflict unmask the real culprits or just shield them?
And as it all happens, a shared secret past complicates Marcus’ and Jalil’s contrasting views on power and security, and inevitably turns their duel into something more personal.
“It’s about people who are supposed to be connected, but are separated by circumstances. Somehow, destiny puts things in motion that make them clash. In the end, it might actually be a way to resolve many of their problems,” says writer Cenon Palomares at a press conference.
Timely and pertinent
While the story is inspired by real-life situations on the ground, the creative team clarifies that it’s not based on any single or specific event. Still, the themes and issues remain timely and pertinent to the current landscape, including the continued hold of political dynasties across the country.
“Itong bansa natin ay pinapatakbo ng gobyerno kung saan maraming nakaupong sunod-sunod na mga lahi at pamilya. It’s the series creators’ vision to make people see what’s going on around us… Ipakita natin sa kanila kung anong buhay meron tayo,” says FM Reyes, who directs the series together with Bjoy Balagtas and Rico Navarro.
“Pag-isipan natin nang malalim: Dapat ba tayong patakbuhin ng dinastiya? Dapat bang mauna ang interes ng mga pamilya natin, o unahin natin ang interes ng bansa? Ano ba ang mas mahalaga?” he says.
“Makikita natin dito na gagawin ng isang nagtatrabaho sa gobyerno ang lahat para lang manatili siya sa puwesto at malasap ang biyayang nanggagaling sa gobyerno,” adds cast member Rommel Padilla, who’s no stranger to the realities of politics as a former member of Nueva Ecija’s provincial board.
Rife with symbolism
Politics aside, the series hopes to highlight the culture of Muslim communities in the Philippines and offer nuanced perspectives on experiences rarely portrayed on television. Because the subject demands accuracy and sensitivity, the production team consulted Muslim cultural experts, including imams, who provided guidance in crafting the narrative.
“We’re taking on something sensitive, but we’re doing it with full responsibility,” points out Anderson, who, in respect and solidarity with Filipino Muslims, observed fasting and avoided pork while shooting, which serendipitously coincided with Ramadan.
Because he spent his early childhood and teenage years in General Santos, which has a sizable and active Muslim community, Anderson has always been familiar with their way of life. But just for good measure, the actor visited mosques and spent time in Maharlika Village, a barangay in Taguig known for its large and historic Muslim Filipino community.
“Bata pa lang ako, exposed na ako sa kultura nila, and I have always been fascinated by it. So this is a dream project,” says the actor, whose character Jalil is named after his longtime Maranao personal assistant. “Alam ko kung gaano sila magmahal sa pamilya at sa kapwa nila. They’re peace-loving, but they will also stand their ground when that’s threatened.”
Even the fight scenes can be rife with symbolism. The use of .45 pistols and kris swords, for example, serves as a reference to the historical encounters between American colonizers and Moro warriors during the Philippine-American War. “Fight scenes aren’t just there for the sake of it,” Anderson says. “There’s always a story behind them.”
Respectful representation
By giving viewers what he believes is a respectful representation, he hopes “Blood vs Duty”—which airs on ALLTV2, A2Z, and Kapamilya Channel—can dispel the stereotypical depiction of Filipino Muslims in mainstream media.
At a recent advance screening for the series’s first few episodes, Anderson says a viewer from Zamboanga approached him and mentioned that what they saw onscreen brought back memories of the 2013 Zamboanga Siege. “The story isn’t based on that event, but they told me that the experiences felt familiar to them,” he says. “Our goal is to be as realistic as possible. We must be doing something right.”
Indeed, the show is primarily meant to entertain, but it also implores us to ask what we can do for this country—and along the way, spark conversation and perhaps even inspire change. “May mga bahagi ng kuwento ay pinagdaanan natin,” Reyes says. “Hanapin natin ang sarili natin doon.”
