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Ian Veneracion leads the star-studded cast of “Drug War”

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Leah C. Salterio

After his award-winning portrayal of a corrupt and abusive police officer in director Shugo Praico’s mystery-drama thriller, “Nananahimik ang Gabi,” a Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry in 2022, Ian Veneracion reunites with his megman, this time in a six-part crime drama series, “Drug War: A Conspiracy of Silence,” written by Praico and Jonathan Guillermo.Veneracion leads the star-studded cast of “Drug War” as Father Tom, the first time he is playing a priest. He is admittedly very proud to be in the series. Their aim is not to lecture but to present different perspectives that can spark conversations rooted in different understanding.“The first time I read the script, I wasn’t sure how we would actually shoot the drama because of our respective schedules,” Veneracion told ABS-CBN News. “I felt I really have to be part of this series. We have to tell the story. It’s the story of our people and it’s a part of our history and our humanity.“After I watched the first episode, all the emotions of Father Tom keep coming back to me because as an actor, my job is to go through life emotionally. Now, it brings back memories. Ang bigat dalhin. But I was so pleased with the cinematography, editing and storytelling of Direk Shugo.”“Kwento natin ito. So sana, audiences from other countries will also get to watch this,” Veneracion added. “Our conduct and behavior are mirrored on this story. Even the not so good parts in our life. This raises a lot of questions also. Like what Direk Shugo said, we hope we can have a conversation about this ‘Drug War.’ This is our story. Hopefully, we can find better way and better policies and systems in doing things.”<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780354534578Inside-Drug-War.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div>Also part of the cast of “Drug War” are John Arcilla, Ryan Eigenmann, Romnick Sarmenta, Joem Bascon, Yayo Aguila, Jane Oineza, Lotlot de Leon and Harvey Bautista.“Drug War” is produced by Rein Entertainment, with Lino Cayetano as executive producer. The bold and daring series was presented back in December 2024 at the Asia TV Forum and Film Market in Singapore.“From the time we were conceptualizing the story more than a year ago, we, as storytellers, realized the stories of the people need to be heard,” said director Praico. “We feel the stories of the characters the actors represent, they are stories that happen not just here in the Philippines but globally.“These are stories in a critical period in our country’s history. That should not be forgotten. That should be known and heard by our countrymen and brought to a global audience. When we were doing this, we felt this was an opportunity to show the acting talents of our cast. Their talents need to be heard and seen in a global stage. Our intention is to bring the audience into the time it actually happened (in 2019).”“Drug War” is unique with a story that happened in a specific period in our society. “That happened in our history that shaped us to who we are today,” Praico said. “The story is very Filipino because of the talents, from the cast to the crew that put this series together. I hope you can spread the story and the aspect of the series.”“Drug War” has six episodes, with KC Global Media as the partner of Rein Entertainment. “When we launched the series, KC Global liked it, so we partnered with them,” said Praico. “After the audience watched the series, we want to engage the viewers into a conversation between those people who saw it, what their views are, where they stand, what they believe in.“We think through that conversation, there will be a catharsis and we will all learned from each other to have an understanding and eventually, it can lead to make us better. That is the goal of every storyteller.“To share the story with his audience through the conversation with all those who watched. In the succeeding episodes, the interesting layers of the different characters in the series, will be revealed.”Veneracion insisted the intention of the production is to show different perspectives. “All of them have different perspectives about how to face the drug problem,” said Ian. “How to rehabilitate or punish. There’s a long conversation about it that we need to face as individuals.“As artists and storytellers, we want to make propositions, but we’re not there to lecture or give problems. That is one of the real situations that happened where we shot the series. Audiences can see how the real people are affected by drugs. We’re not there to solve problems. We’re there to point out different perspectives.”<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780354564618Ian-Veneracion-Drug-War.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div>From his perspective of his character, Veneracion understands Father Tom also underwent personal beliefs, has his own biases and his personal journey that he went through. “This production is an actor’s paradise,” he admitted. “From the actual set, from the quality of the material, the quality of the story, to the quality of our lives while we’re shooting, napakasarap ng experience.“Direk Shugo will not teach you what to do or how to act. He will tell you where to draw your emotions once you start acting. He gives you that kind of freedom. You get inspired. You try to live that experience emotionally. You try to live that life.“The character I’m playing, Father Tom, that’s what he’s searching for, compassion. He has his own personal struggles to himself. I’m not analytical in attacking a role. I want to go through that emotionally and live through it.”Veneracion has no experience dealing with drugs in the past, but he has been with a lot dependents in real life. “All of them have their respective stories and mabigat dalhin, mabigat sa puso,” he said. “Every time I play Father Tom, I carry those stories and experiences with me. My heart melts every time I remember those stories and experiences.“Direk Shugo’s stories are very immersive. He’s very specific with his lighting, cinematography, music. So I think all of us are proud to show ‘Drug War’ to the rest of the world.”Even after more than four decades in the business, Veneracion admirably is still around. So what is his secret to longevity?“I try my best to be the best around,” he said. “I do my homework, I read my script. I have to admit I’m surrounded with so much kindness from the people I work with, my co actors, my directors, the bosses of the network, my producers.He still wants to do the activities that he’s known to excel in. “There, I have to admit, I’m selfish there,” Veneracion insisted. “Movie, TV show, if it’s meaningful, I’ll do it. Not just to stay relevant or for the money.”“Producers give me the best roles na hindi basta basta. Grabe. Their trust. Nagugulat din ako sa tiwala nila. I want to work hard to deserve that trust and respect that they give me.”

Ian Veneracion leads the star-studded cast of “Drug War” as Father Tom, the first time he is playing a priest.

Ian Veneracion leads the star-studded cast of “Drug War” as Father Tom, the first time he is playing a priest.

Ian Veneracion plays a priest for the first time in series 'Drug War'

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Ian Veneracion plays a priest for the first time in series 'Drug War'

Leah C. Salterio

Published June 02, 2026 11:30 AM PHT

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