Award-winning actor Coco Martin took time out from his hectic showbiz schedule to join the men and women in uniform. He was the police force’s “distinguished visitor” at a flag raising ceremony at the PNP Headquarters in Camp Crame on May 25.
Martin, who portrayed one of the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) heroes in a television drama, in his message, extolled the admirable dedication and sacrifices of policemen in the performance of their duties to serve and protect the citizens.
Martin considered playing SAF Elite trooper John Garry Eraña as one of his most memorable roles on screen. The rigorous combat training he experienced in preparing for the role of Eraña, one of those killed in the Mamasapano operation, has taught him a deeper understanding of and high respect for those in the police profession. Martin expressed hope that the public would learn to appreciate the sacrifices and hardships that these men go through in their job as peacekeepers.
During the ceremony, Deputy Director General Marcelo P. Garbo, Police Director Danilo S. Constantino, Chief Superintendent Danilo D. Franco, and Chief Superintendent Nestor F. Quinsay, Jr. gave Martin a black jacket embroidered with the actor’s name and the word Police. The popular actor also joined police officials and personnel in watching the special screening of the SAF 44 TV drama at the Multipurpose Center in Camp Crame.
Martin is set to star in the ABS-CBN television series Ang Probinsyano, a remake of the Fernando Poe Jr. 1997 movie of the same title, which dramatizes an honest cop’s crusade against corruption in the police.
Martin said he was honored and privileged to do one of Poe’s greatest portrayals in film and hoped that the remake on the small screen would be instrumental in bringing back people’s respect and high regard for the PNP.
