LINO CAYETANO TO LAUNCH 'DRUG WAR' AT ASIA TV FORUM AND MARKET

FILMMAKER LINO Cayetano is set to launch "Drug War: A Conspiracy of Silence," the latest series from his production outfit Rein Entertainment, at the Asia TV Forum and Market. The 25th edition of the region's leading international content market for buying, selling, financing, distribution and co-production is now happening at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

- By NATHALIE M. TOMADA

Tomorrow, Dec. 5, direk Lino will be joined at the ATF main stage by fellow producers Philip King and Arlene Cuevas, director/writer Shugo Praico and lead star Ian Veneracion, who plays a priest in the series, for the exclusive premiere and Q&A session.

Set in the years 2016 to 2017, the show is "inspired by true events" from the country's controversial "War on Drugs" during the time of former President Duterte.

The official synopsis reads: "Drug War: A Conspiracy of Silence' is a gripping crime drama that follows Fr. Tom Carillo, a once-privileged priest who's lost everything, as he teams up with a guilt-ridden cop, Yana Macabeo.

Together, they fight to expose a deadly conspiracy shrouding the truth behind the mysterious death of Kiko Agustin, a former protege of Tom's. As they uncover dark secrets from the drug war in the Philippines, Tom must confront his own past apathy to seek redemption and bring justice for a life lost too soon."

The cast also features Jane Oineza, Harvey Bautista, Lotlot de Leon, Romnick Sarmenta, with the special participation of John Arcilla.

"It's really more about the stories of those who became victims or yung mga naipit sa drug war (those caught in the drug war)," direk Lino said during a media interview.

"Wala siyang politika (It has no politics), but it's really an exploration of what happened during that time. Yung mga nangyari na hindi napag-usapan (the events that were left undiscussed)."