On August 5, 2025, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) officially rated Sa Likod ng Tsapa—a compelling documentary directed and produced by veteran journalist Editha Caduaya—as “PG” (Parental Guidance). This classification means the film is suitable for all audiences but recommends that children under 13 view it under the guidance of a parent or custodian .
The announcement marks a significant milestone for a documentary that delves into the life and career of Police Colonel Hansel Marantan—a high-profile figure who once headed the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in the National Capital Region and whose name became synonymous with controversy following the highly scrutinized 2013 Atimonan shootout.
The film artfully weaves together dramatic reenactments, archival footage, and candid interviews to explore deeper themes like truth, betrayal, justice, and the emotional burdens carried by law enforcers. It’s not simply a retelling of events—it is an intimate exploration of the human side of duty and accountability within the police force .
Sa Likod ng Tsapa follows its high-profile red-carpet premiere on August 8 at SM Megamall with a nationwide theatrical release slated for August 13, 2025 .
Just days before the premiere, on August 4, Editha Caduaya, Col. Marantan, Col. Jonathan Calixto, and Butch Ibañez of Solar Entertainment personally visited MTRCB Chairperson Lala Sotto-Antonio and the board to extend their gratitude for the “thoughtful evaluation and support” given to their documentary .
Chairperson Sotto-Antonio commended the project’s importance, stating in part that Sa Likod ng Tsapa “reflects the real-life challenges of our police officers—their daily sacrifices, the injustices they endure, and the moral burdens they carry. It is a powerful tool that can help the next generation understand the often unseen side of law enforcement” .
Caduaya herself was visibly moved by the board’s response. She remarked, “The MTRCB went beyond routine review. They listened, they understood, and they felt the weight of the story. This PG rating is more than a classification—it’s a testament that our story has meaning for all generations” .
Anchored by its authenticity, the documentary features actual police officers in its reenactments—heightening its emotional realism and illustrating that it goes beyond a personal biography to probe the silent sacrifices made within the justice system.
Arriving at a pivotal moment in the national conversation on institutional accountability and the emotional cost of service, Sa Likod ng Tsapa invites audiences to look beyond sensational headlines and into the personal struggles of those sworn to uphold the law—even when they become the subject of controversy.
As of August 11, 2025, just two days before its nationwide debut, the film stands as an important cultural artifact—anchored in truth and ready to challenge, inspire, and humanize perspectives on law enforcement in the Philippines.
