Martin Escudero is 3rd choice for lead in ‘Ang Misyon: Marawi Siege Story’

(from left) Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Carlito Galvez, Martin Escudero, film director Cesar Soriano. Photo by INQUIRER.net/Clarizel Abanilla

The action-packed film “Ang Misyon: Marawi Siege Story” has had select members of the entertainment press rave for the commendable performance of lead actor Martin Escudero.

In the story, Escudero played Sajid Tumawil, a hospital staff nurse, who was a secret recruit of the extremist group planning to take over the city of Marawi.

Escudero was only the third choice for the role.

“Third choice po si Martin, ‘yung nauna kasi conflict sa schedule. ‘Di kami magkakilala so somebody recommended why not try Martin. Nakita ko ang galing at para sa ’kin, siya ang pinakamagaling na aktor sa industry natin,” said film director Cesar Soriano at the special press screening of the movie last May 25 at the Dolphy theater in ABS-CBN.

Immediately after the screening Escudero got a thunderous applause from the press people as he aced being a young Muslim man, from his looks, to his gestures and even his way of speaking.

Beside his preparation for the role, Escudero had exposure to Muslim people while growing up. Seeing peaceful and religious Muslims early on, he never considered them as terrorists, contrary to the belief of his character Sajid.

“Nung una pa naman, nung bata pa ako, ‘di naman ako naguguluhan, kasi may mga kaibigan akong Muslim din, mga kababata kong Muslim, kaya alam ko rin naman kung anong buhay ang ginagalawan nila. Alam ko naman na hindi porke’t sinabing Muslim terorista na. Kasi, halimbawa na lang ng nakasama namin sa Quiapo, kahit sila sinasabi nila sa Maute, ayaw nila ‘yung mga ginagawa ng Maute, ayaw nila ng gulo, gusto nila ng katahimikan,” Escudero said.

Apart from the cast and members of the media, present at the special screening were members of the military headed by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Carlito Galvez and representatives from the Philippine National Police, among others.

“Ang Misyon: Marawi Siege Story” is set for its theatrical release starting May 30.