Ever since it premiered on
ABS-CBN back in 2015, “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” a tele-serye adaptation of a
1997 film by the late Philippine action movie king Fernando Poe Jr., has had
the wide support of the country’s viewing audience in its grasp. Even government
officials and the Philippine National Police have given the show accolades over
the years. But this relationship with law enforcement authorities is not always
smooth. While the PNP has limited creative control over the production, it does
make its opinions publicly known on storylines and plot developments. And
recently “Ang Probinsyano” has its narrative questioned anew.
CNN Philippines reports that the Philippine National Police has
taken great exemption to a scene in this week’s episodes of “Ang Probinsyano,”
particularly a scene from Monday, July 15, where a female PNP operative of the
in-universe “Task Force Agila” is raped by her crime syndicate captors while
still in uniform. The following Tuesday, July 16, the PNP issued a statement
declaring that they, under advice from their own personnel and concerned viewers,
will review their agreement with ABS-CBN on allowing the network to garb the
characters of its show with authentically-replicated police uniforms under real
PNP supervision, a provision put in place from the last controversy the
tele-serye caused.
Cordial cooperation between
ABS-CBN and the PNP on making “Ang Probinsyano” first soured significantly last
year, with the show’s then-ongoing plot arc of a corrupt presidency overseeing organized
crime operated and protected by corrupt PNP leadership and police officers. The
national police agency warned of possible charges if the network did not stop
over-emphasizing this plot point. At the time, show protagonist Cardo Dalisay (Coco
Martin) was working as a vigilante with former populist rebels, well-meaning
gang members and disillusioned officers in his group. The arc ended with
democracy restored and the vigilante team being recruited into the police
force.
The female police officer being sexually
abused in the Monday episode of “Ang Probinsyano” was fortunately rescued by
Cardo as of the Tuesday telecast. But that July 16 episode according to ABS-CBN News got its own share of viral
trending when Cardo, finally facing the current arc villain, the criminally
insane mass murder and terrorist mastermind Bungo (Baron Geisler), was
physically overpowered and repeatedly stabbed and shot by the antagonist as
vengeance for his brother’s death at the hands of Cardo’s long-deceased twin.
Speculation on Cardo’s status is spoiled by the fact that Martin was featured
in social media with Judy Ann Santos, who will play a new recurring character.
PLTCOL Kimberly Molitas, Deputy
Spokesperson for the PNP, noted the possibility of the agency revoking the
memorandum with ABS-CBN if the depicted violation was judged as severe, but it
is most likely that the network can assuage police protests on its production
as before. This outcome would be further popular proof that “FPJ’s Ang
Probinsyano,” now on its 7th season on an indefinite extension,
could continue airing for years more.
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