Makati City (July 12) – The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has officially granted a “G” (General Audience) rating to the promotional trailer for the upcoming docu-film, “Sa Likod Ng Tsapa” (Behind the Badge). This significant approval means the trailer can be shown in cinemas to all viewers, including children, and is approved to play before any movie, regardless of that movie’s own rating.
This development has brought a substantial boost to the morale of the film’s producer and the entire cast and crew. For the all-Davao production team behind “Sa Likod Ng Tsapa,” the MTRCB’s general-audience approval is viewed as a significant vote of confidence.
Editha Z. Caduaya, the film’s producer, writer, and director, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled with the ‘G’ rating for our trailer, as it allows Col. Marantan’s story to reach audiences of all ages across the country.” She added, “This approval is a huge boost for our team in Davao, it shows that even regional stories like ours can resonate nationally”. The team, primarily composed of talents from Davao City, feels energized by the news, which affirms that a film produced outside Metro Manila can achieve nationwide appeal, potentially inspiring other regional filmmakers.
About “Sa Likod Ng Tsapa” (Beneath the Badge)
• Genre: “Sa Likod Ng Tsapa” is a docu-drama.
• Subject: It is based on the real-life story of Police Colonel Hansel M. Marantan, a highly decorated Philippine National Police officer. Col. Marantan is known for his service and sacrifices, having previously headed the PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Metro Manila and currently serving as Acting City Director of the Davao City Police Office. The film also marks a milestone as the first Davao-produced film to spotlight the journey of an Ilocano-born police officer whose career spanned from Northern Luzon to Mindanao.
• Themes: The film aims to bring to life Col. Marantan’s untold story of betrayal, injustice, and redemption, offering a raw look into the unseen battles and moral dilemmas faced by law enforcers. It also reflects broader themes in Philippine politics and the internal struggles within the police force, showcasing the personal sacrifices of those who risk their lives in the line of duty. Caduaya describes Col. Marantan’s life as a “story of resilience and truth”.
• Production: The film is produced by POP Moviehouse and Newsline Philippines, and is written and directed by Editha Z. Caduaya.
The wide accessibility granted by the “G” classification means the trailer will be widely screened in theaters as part of its promotional campaign, introducing audiences to Col. Marantan’s gripping story without restriction.
This momentum comes ahead of the film’s scheduled nationwide theatrical premiere on August 13, 2025, with distribution by Solar Entertainment. The regional nature of the production is a point of pride, with Caduaya adding, “We hope our success paves the way for more stories from the regions to be told.”
