For actor Martin del Rosario, playing the villain has become second nature. With one intense kontrabida role after another—most recently as the menacing nemesis in ‘Lolong: Pangil ng Maynila’—audiences have come to expect his signature scowl, swift punches, and dangerously smooth lines.
But in the newly released action-drama film ‘Beyond the Call of Duty’, Martin trades his bad boy image for a badge and a sense of duty. As Lieutenant Ricky Mapa, a principled SWAT officer, he’s no longer the character we love to hate. This time, he’s someone to look up to.
“Matagal ko na ring gustong gumanap ng mga karakter na hinahangaan. Mga bayani ng tunay na buhay,” Martin shared during the film’s red carpet premiere at Gateway 2 Cinema 11 on June 3. “Karamihan sa mga nakaraang proyekto ko, ako yung problema ng bida. Pero dito, ako yung tagapangalaga ng bayan.”
Though he’s portrayed men in uniform before—in stage plays and smaller roles—Martin said ‘Beyond the Call of Duty’ struck a different chord. With a plot centered on the real-life sacrifices of policemen and firefighters, the film pushed him to dig deeper, emotionally and physically.
He trained on-set with actual PNP officers for over a week, studying not just how to hold a firearm, but how to embody the mindset of someone who faces danger daily.
“Challenging talaga. Hindi lang siya acting. Gusto namin ipakita kung gaano kabigat ang trabaho ng mga pulis. May kasama kaming PNP adviser sa bawat eksena para siguradong realistic. Hindi pwedeng arte-arte lang.”
The training was intense, but the takeaway was even more powerful.
“Mas lalo akong humanga sa mga pulis. Grabe pala talaga ang sakripisyo nila—emotionally, physically, sa pamilya nila. It’s not just a job, it’s a life commitment,” he said.
Produced by LCS Film Production under Luis “Chavit” Singson and Stephanie Singson, ‘Beyond the Call of Duty’ is directed by Jose “JR” Olinares and co-directed by Billy Ray Oyanib, with the screenplay by Eldrin Veloso.
The film was developed in close partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection, and PNP Officers Ladies Club Foundation, Inc. to ensure authenticity. It also features a powerhouse ensemble including Paolo Gumabao, Devon Seron, Maxine Trinidad, Martin Escudero, and Jeffrey Santos, among others.
For Martin, it was his first time working with former ‘Pinoy Big Brother’ housemate Maxine Trinidad, who plays his love interest and fellow officer. Their chemistry on set, according to Martin, was built on shared respect and professionalism.
“Lahat kami, nagtutulungan sa set. May mga eksenang mahirap, pero gusto naming gawing totoo yung portrayal ng mga karakter namin,” he added.
Maxine, for her part, shared that landing her role was no walk in the park—she was number 69 in line during auditions.
“Dream ko talagang gumanap ng pulis. Kaya kahit kabado, pinaglaban ko yung role na ‘to,” she said.
Former PNP Chief Rommel Francisco Marbil, who attended the premiere, said the film goes beyond the usual cop clichés and negative news headlines.
“Madalas kasi, puro negatibo ang nakikita ng tao tungkol sa amin. Pero ngayon, makikita nila kung gaano katotoo ang sakripisyo ng mga pulis.”
And that’s exactly what the film aims to do: present officers not just as authority figures, but as human beings—with families, fears, and dreams—doing their best to protect others.
“This isn’t just an action film,” Martin emphasized. “It’s a reminder—of the people who serve us, even when we’re not looking. It’s about honoring their stories, and in a way, giving them back the respect they deserve.”
Despite the switch from kontrabida to hero, Martin isn’t abandoning his roots. Instead, he’s embracing the versatility his career now offers.
“Gusto ko lahat subukan—action, drama, comedy. Pinaghahandaan ko lalo yung action kasi hindi ako natural dancer, kaya bawat galaw, inaaral ko talaga.”
But this role, he says, will stay with him longer than most.
“Iba yung pakiramdam na makakapagbigay ka ng respeto sa mga taong araw-araw nagsasakripisyo. It makes you proud—not just as an actor, but as a Filipino.”
‘Beyond the Call of Duty’ is now showing in cinemas nationwide. Catch it to witness real stories of courage, sacrifice, and duty—brought to life by one of Philippine entertainment’s most compelling actors.
