During the premiere night of Mamasapano at SM Megamall, which LionhearTV covered on December 15, philanthropist-politician Margarita “Tingting” R. Cojuangco recounted her experience in Mamasapano while researching for her book ‘Oplan Exodus.’
Conjuangco recounted her experience visiting the site in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. Here, the clash between the 44 fallen commandos of the elite Special Action Forces and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front happened. She narrated, “I was the president of the Philippine Public Safety College and was the USEC of DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government). All of those–were actually my students…the next day, I flew to Mamasapano, [and] I saw the actual site where this [has] happened– the shooting. And I saw– I wrote my book that way by looking for that hours while I was in Arm– the army during the– that’s where I got the inspiration for my book, which is 400 pages.”
She then noted the research and interviews included in her book.
“Unfortunately po, while I was waiting out that moving ball, but actually [through] brainstorming with them again. And nandoon po ‘yung findings ng NBI, ng Human Rights, ‘yung mga sinabi ng MILF, ‘yung for their protection, and ‘yung mga comments ng mga widows that I interviewed.”
She then discussed how the book and the film Mamasapano would help highlight the truth to bring justice.
“So actually, it took me four and a half years to write the book. Sana, you’ll be able to enjoy and know [exactly] what [really] happened, because it’s all documented. And the truth will actually bring justice.”
Conjuangco’s Oplan Exodus got published in March 2020, years after the encounter between SAF and MILF in 2015.
As for the Metro Manila Film Festival 2022 film, Mamasapano stars Edu Manzano, Aljur Abrenica, and Paolo Gumabao.
The main cast includes Alan Paule, Gerald Santos, Rez Cortez, Juan Rodrigo, and Jervic Cajarop.
The film also highlights the special participation of Claudine Barretto.
The MMFF2022 features Ritz Azul, Myrtle Sarosa, Jojo Abellana, Ronnie Liang, Jim Pebanco, Tom Olivar, Rico Barrera, LA Santos, Marcus Madrigal, AJ Oteyza, Marco Gomez, Rash Flores, Elmo Elarmo, and Nathan Cajucom.
Directed by Lester Dimaranan and written by Eric Ramos, Mamasapano premieres on December 25, Christmas Day.
