Lino Cayetano to launch ‘Drug War’ at Asia TV Forum and Market

December 4, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — 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.

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 protégé 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).”

Besides “Drug War: A Conspiracy of Silence” Rein has also finished shooting “Caretakers,” a collaborative project with Regal Films starring Iza Calzado and Dimples Romana.

Lino recalled that Rein, which produced the award-winning “Bagman,” was “borne out of ayoko sabihin hinanakit but it was our dream for the industry… We just have to make enough so that everyone is comfortable and has a space to create. Like ever since, even before the Eddie Garcia Law, we provide insurance … So yun, maliit lang kami (we’re small) but all of us are full-time,” he said.

The age of streaming has also helped them grow as producers. “The good thing about streaming is the increase in revenue streams. Before, if we had one product, that was only for broadcast. For example, with ‘Drug War,’ we can sell it to streaming, we can sell it to broadcast so there are multiple (opportunities). I think what needs to happen is more streamers come in and then No. 2, mag-rebound ang box-office.”

These film and TV projects are proof that there’s no truth to talk that he’s leaving showbiz or Rein, even amid plans to re-enter the public service realm.

During a one-on-one with The STAR, the former Taguig Mayor, who’s running for congress in the 2025 midterm elections as an independent candidate, clarified, “I won’t leave showbiz. In fact, I’ve become more active in film production now. I’ve also become more active in creating TV shows, not just as a director but really as a producer.”

“I’ve seen the great potential of the entertainment industry in helping many people. Many jobs can be created as our industry continues to grow.

“Sa Taguig-Pateros, tingin ko napakalaking sector ng entertainment na na-o-overlook (In Taguig-Pateros, I think the entertainment sector is hugely overlooked). There are many talented people not just in front of the camera like the actors, singers and performers, but also behind the camera. In one of our barangays, there’s an award-winning audio engineer.

“Malaki ang support group ng industriya na sinusuportahan ng entertainment. If our industry grows two, three or four times, more jobs will be available not just in Metro Manila but also in the provinces.

“For example, animation, it can be done anywhere in the world like a call center. It doesn’t have to be confined in the U.S. unlike before. It can be outsourced to us and further strengthened. Yung konting experience and knowledge ko sa showbiz, especially the connections that I’ve made will help me be a better congressman for Taguig and Pateros.”

In total, he served in government for eight years — mayor for three years, congressman for three years and barangay captain for two years.

Direk Lino, however, is currently facing a disqualification case in relation to the “transfer of his voter registration to District 1.” Addressing the issue, he maintained that he’s “not disqualified,” explaining the “appeals process is long” and that he “will fight for my right to represent Taguig and Pateros.”

“Legally, we are confident that we will win the case. I’ve lived in that subdivision for five years, and for the last two and a half years, in the house we are currently staying in,” he further told The STAR.

Meanwhile, direk Lino draws moral support from his wife — sports announcer and volleyball star Fille Cainglet. “Minsan mas nasasaktan yung spouse, but now we’re focused on our family (Sometimes, the spouse feels more hurt, but now we’re focused on our family). My family is very supportive. My kids, ages six and eight, they know I’m running. They’re all pandemic kids.

“I have one boy (the eldest) and two girls. My wife wants to still grow the family, but ako stop na. But negotiation (is ongoing),” he mused.