Zamboanga City, Philippines. On March 1, 2025, Zamboanga City held its first-ever red carpet premiere night at KCC Mall. The film “In Thy Name” was featured and attended by its actors and director/producer. This historic event was memorable for being the first of its kind and because a Holy Eucharist preceded it. Fr. Amador “Ama” Tumbaga, CMF, Provincial Superior of the Fr. Rhoel Gallardo Province of the Claretian Missionaries, presided over the celebration of the Mass with other Claretians and priests from different Dioceses.
Fr. Ama said in his homily that the film is not merely a cinematic presentation but a prayer in itself. It addresses a sacred theme and highlights a holy person who embodies prayer and faith, filled with hope and concern for the well-being of his companions, particularly women and children. The film beautifully illustrates the humility of Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, CMF, who truly experienced the meaning of humility—derived from the Latin word “humus,” meaning ground—as portrayed in the movie by Marc Carlos “McCoy” de Leon who literally ate earth during one of his scenes being tortured by Abu Sabaya. He also mentioned that the presence of the survivors on the premiere night reminded him of their desire to meet again and celebrate a recollection in Puno Muhaji.
“I was emotional when I was giving communion to the survivors because it felt like this was their dream when they were there in captivity, and now we are together celebrating the Eucharist for the first time,” said Fr. Ama.
After the Mass, a brief introduction was held before the screening started. A representative from the Local Government of Lamitan office delivered remarks, along with a representative of WESMINCOM of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the producer-director, Mr. Cesar Soriano. The actors were also presented: McCoy De Leon (Rhoel Gallardo), JC De Vera (Khadaffy Janjalani), Mon Confiado (Abu Sabaya), Yves Flores (Andrew Bacala), and Chris Leonardo.
During the screening, viewers were deeply moved, expressing a wide range of emotions and shedding tears. Many commented after the film that it was beautifully crafted and profoundly touched their souls. Indeed, it is not merely a movie; it serves as an invitation to prayer and can be regarded as a prayer itself.
A monsignor from Dipolog said that it was worth coming all the way to watch the premiere night. He expressed that he was deeply moved and even cried when McCoy, portraying Father Rhoel, delivered the line, “I will serve Him for the rest of my life,” during Janjalani’s torture. He also noted the significance given to the Eucharist.
On the other hand, the survivors and their families who were present were particularly emotional. However, some indicated that what they saw on screen was less tragic than their experiences during months of captivity.
After the screening, the survivors went to the house of the Claretian Missionaries in Zamboanga City for dinner, followed by a brief moment of prayer, reflection, and processing. The Claretians felt it appropriate to conclude their experience with a para liturgy at the Music Room of Claret School of Zamboanga City. Fathers Aldrin Castellones, Dante Boringot, and Larry Miranda, CMFF, facilitated the event and guided the attendees through the reflection process.
During the sharing, Ma’am Lydda Ajon, one of the survivors also portrayed in the film, told everyone to continue fighting and striving in life.
Just in time for the final activity, Fr. Ama, along with the two main actors—McCoy de Leon, who plays Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, and Mon Confiado, who portrays Abu Sabaya—arrived at the Music Room of Claret School in Zamboanga City, where the session was taking place. Fr. Ama delivered a message to everyone:
Mon Confiado, a veteran actor known for playing villain roles in over 400 films, expressed his gratitude to the survivors. He mentioned that when he read the script, he got goosebumps and initially wasn’t sure how to portray his character as Abu Sabaya. He also noted that his scene with McCoy was performed on the spot with minimal rehearsal.
“Nag usap lang po kami ni McCoy kung pano namin gagawin. Sabi ko lang baka sampalin kita…kakaladkarin kita…tatadyakan kita. At napaka professional po ni McCoy. Tinangap niya lahat ng sakit para magmukhang kapanipaniwala at magmukhang totoo po yung eksena,” Mon said.
“McCoy and I just talked about how we would do it. I just said maybe I’ll slap you…I’ll drag you…I’ll stomp on you. And McCoy was very professional. He took all the pain to make the scene look believable and real,” Mon said.
Then, addressing the survivors and the rest who were present, he said:
“Ito’y isang malaking karangalan para sa akin dahil sa gabing ito ay nakilala ko po kayo, at nameet in person. Dahil kayo po ang tunay na milagro, inspirasyon. Ako mismo ay maraming natutunan sa inyong istorya: ang inyong tibay at pagkapit sa pananampalataya katulad ng itinuro o ipinamalas ni Fr. Rhoel.” – Mon Confiado
[“It is a great honor for me to meet you in person tonight. You truly are a miracle and an inspiration. I have learned a lot from your story, especially your strength and steadfast faith, as exemplified by Fr. Rhoel.” – Mon Confiado]
McCoy de Leon, the main actor, also thanked the survivors and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to portray Fr Rhoel.
“Isa ako sa napili ni Fr. Rhoel.”
“Fr. Rhoel chose me,” said McCoy.
“Ito pa lang ay isang miracle na para sa atin na magsama sama tayo sa isang gabi para sa kanya.” Sa mga survivors po, maraming maraming salamat po, sa inspirasyon. At sabi nyo nga po walang susuko. At tayo’y nakakarelate po jan, hindi lang po sa storya, sa mismong pang araw-araw nating buhay. Yun lang po gusto ko sabihin. Huwag tayo susuko at laging anjan ang Dios para sa ating lahat.”
“It’s a miracle for us to be together for one night for him. To the survivors, thank you very much for the inspiration. And as you said, no one will give up. And we can relate to that, not just in the story but in our daily lives. That’s all I want to say. Let’s not give up, and God will always be there for all of us.” – Marc Carlos de Leon to the survivors of the kidnapping after 25 years.
The movie will be shown nationwide from March 5 onwards.
In Thy Name is a film by Viva Films directed by Rommel Ruiz and co-directed and produced by the founder of GreatCzar Media Productions, a veteran broadcaster and now filmmaker Ceasar Soriano. It is based on the martyrdom of Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, CMF, a Claretian Missionary priest who was abducted by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) on March 20 and martyred on May 3, 2000, after 43 days of captivity.
The Claretian Missionaries of Fr. Rhoel Gallardo Province were not the ones who proposed or started the film; instead, it was a project that came out of the ideas of the producer, Mr. Soriano, who was also a kidnapping victim of the ASG. Contrary to what others may think, the Congregation did not finance the project.
It is a miracle in itself that it came from people unknown to the Claretians in the Philippines. It is very timely in the preparations being made by the Congregation to elevate Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, CMF, to the altar, hoping to make him the next Filipino saint for his unwavering faith and hope that served as light to the rest of the captives, especially the women and children. The Congregation is now helping the Prelature of Isabela in Basilan prepare the documents needed to apply for his being a Servant of God, the beatification process at the diocesan level.
It is not just a coincidence that the martyrdom of Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, CMF, took place during the Great Jubilee Year 2000, and we are now storytelling this remarkable prayer story of hope in the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025! It is also a jubilee for the survivors who have kept silent and are now ready to move on as pilgrims of hope in this land fully! Let us continue to tell the story of Rhoel In Thy Name!
