Aside from memorizing his lines and internalizing his role, it was a truly challenging experience for actor McCoy de Leon to play a real person — and a missionary at that! McCoy takes on one of his most difficult roles as he portrays Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, a Claretian priest who was abducted by members of the Abu Sayyaf group in Basilan in 2000, in the movie “In Thy Name.”
McCoy, who is known for playing the villainous David in the Kapamilya primetime series “Batang Quiapo,” admitted that playing Fr. Rhoel involved not only a physical and mental transformation, but also a spiritual one. At a recent press conference for the movie, he opened up about how he had to immerse himself in the life of a missionary.
“Totoong tao si Father Rhoel [Gallardo], at napakaimportante na hindi magkamali sa mga bagay-bagay, hindi lang sa mga eksena, pati na kung paano gumalaw. Kaya mabuti na inaral talaga namin, at sa tulong nina Direk Caesar [Soriano] at Direk Rommel [Galapia Ruiz], nabigyan ako ng pagkakataon na paghandaan ito,” he said.
“Pumunta kami dito [Claret School] mismo. Tinuruan ako kung paano magmisa, at kung paano maging misyonaryong pari,” he continued.
McCoy didn’t just act like a missionary; he experienced what it was like.
“Isa sa pinakanatandaan ko ‘yung bababa ka sa pagkatao mo. Kasi kami bilang artista, dumadating sa point na feeling namin kilala kami ng lahat, kaya… pinagwalis ako para ma-feel ko na nasa baba ako. Para maramdaman ko na wala kang ikakahiya…,” he explained.
Being spat on for a scene jolted McCoy, but his professionalism shone through. He took his role seriously, understanding that the life of a priest and missionary — especially the life of Father Rhoel — is marked by sacrifice and courage.
Father Rhoel, born on November 29, 1965, was ordained a priest in 1994. He was known for being naturally reserved, but he made an effort to bring joy to others. He was committed to a life of service, even volunteering to be assigned to a parish in Basilan, despite knowing the dangers. He vowed never to abandon his flock.
On March 20, 2000, he was abducted by insurgents in Sumisip, along with a group of students and faculty members. Other captives came from the town of Tuburan.
The Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), led by Khadaffy Janjalani and Abu Sabaya, had every intention of tormenting their captives.
During his 45 days of captivity, Father Rhoel tried to maintain his composure in the face of extreme violence for the sake of his fellow victims, especially a young boy named Reylios.
Now, 25 years later, the public will get a glimpse into the harrowing ordeal of the hostages, up in the mountains, leading up to the decisive military confrontation with the terrorists in “In Thy Name.”
JC De Vera plays Khadaffy Janjalani, the brother of ASG founder Abdurajak Abubakar Janjalani. Khadaffy took over as the group’s leader after his brother was killed in a police operation in 1998. He had a powerful vision of creating an Islamic state, with deep animosity toward Christianity, which was reflected in his brutal treatment of Father Rhoel.
Mon Confiado plays Abu Sabaya, the ASG spokesperson notorious for his extreme cruelty toward hostages. It’s said that Abu Sabaya took an interest in one of the teachers they held captive.
Jerome Ponce plays 23-year-old Second Lieutenant Herbert Dilag, an Igorot mestizo from Kalinga. In April 2000, he volunteered to lead the “Suicide Squad” formed to attack Camp Abdurajak, the largest ASG camp where the hostages were held.
Yves Flores plays First Lieutenant Andrew Bacala, a 24-year-old commanding officer of the 24th Special Forces Company. Known for his decisive actions under pressure, he led the rescue mission as the ASG attempted to escape with their hostages.
Soliman Cruz plays Principal Rey Rubio of the Claret School of Basilan, Father Rhoel’s closest confidant. Though physically weak, Principal Rubio remained a strong emotional pillar for his companions throughout their ordeal.
Aya Fernandez plays Teacher Theresa, a nurturing teacher in her 20s who risked her safety to protect her students and friends. Her feistiness caught the attention of Abu Sabaya.
Kenken Nuyad plays Reylios, Father Rhoel’s young companion, who idolized him. While in captivity, Reylios interacted with Muslim children and even members of the Abu Sayyaf.
Cassy Lavarias plays Emylin, another child hostage who acted like an older sister to Reylios and other young captives. Her strength and hope were crucial in the darkest moments.
Alex Medina plays Teacher Rosebert, a strong and resilient teacher whose comic relief helped lighten the mood amid the tense atmosphere.
Elora Españo plays Teacher Lydda, Rosebert’s wife. Although strict, Lydda’s humor and her care for both rebels and hostages were vital during their captivity.
Kat Galang plays Teacher Anabelle, Teacher Theresa’s best friend. Initially quiet and meek, Anabelle found her strength after Theresa was taken by Abu Sabaya and became a source of comfort for the group.
The film also stars Ynez Veneracion as Teacher Gemma, Martin Escudero as Isnilon, JM Soriano as Abu Jandal, Ana Abad Santos as Raquel Gallardo (Father Rhoel’s mother), Richard Quan as Dominador Gallardo (Father Rhoel’s father), Gold Aceron as Dong Gallardo (Father Rhoel’s brother with special needs), Aaron Villaflor as Captain Sabban, Pen Medina as MNLF Commander Talib Congo, and John Estrada as BGen. Narciso Abaya.
Produced by GreatCzar Media Productions, “In Thy Name” opens in cinemas nationwide this Ash Wednesday, March 5.
