Sometimes, understanding what happens behind the scenes changes the way we see people. Professions we often judge at a distance, like police work, carry stories that do not make it to the headlines. Strip away the uniform and what remains are individuals dealing with pressure, doubt, sacrifice, and difficult choices. This is where Sa Likod ng Tsapa steps into. It offers us a closer and more human look at those who wear the police badge.
Produced locally, Sa Likod ng Tsapa has found an audience beyond the Philippines. Its impact was recognized abroad, bagging the Outstanding Excellence Award at the Documentaries Without Borders International Film Festival in March 2026, along with a Special Mention at the Dhaka International Film Festival in January.
The film tells the story of PBGen Hansel Marantan, moving beyond rank and reputation to reveal the personal realities tied to his years in service. It examines controversies, the weight of responsibility, and the emotional toll that comes with the job. Alongside Marantan, fellow officers Stefanio Rabino, Christopher Saladero, and Nicolas Torre III also appear in the project.
Director Editha Z. Caduaya, a Mindanao-based filmmaker and former journalist, did not expect the film to get the reception as widely as it did. What stood out to her was how audiences from different countries connected with the story. Viewers, some of them police officers themselves, shared that the struggles shown in the film mirrored their own experiences. From Southeast Asia to Africa, the reactions showed that the burdens carried by police officers are not confined to one country.
Simply put, what the film presents is not unique to the Philippines. The pressure, the risks, the sacrifices, and even the injustices are part of a broader reality shared by officers worldwide. That realization became one of the documentary’s strongest messages.
Originally released in August 2025, the film continues to gain recognition both locally and internationally. For Caduaya, the honors came as a surprise. She admitted she initially questioned whether the news was real, especially given the film’s modest production. Still, the acknowledgment from respected international festivals is considered a milestone.
For Marantan, the project holds personal weight. As he nears retirement, he sees the documentary as something he leaves behind as a reflection of what it means to serve. It stands as both a record and a reminder of the realities that come with the uniform.
The film’s message was further extended through music. On April 11, the official theme song and its music video were launched at Camp Vicente Lim in Calamba, Laguna.
During the event, Marantan opened the program with a speech that conveyed what Sa Likod ng Tsapa represents.
“Sa Likod ng Tsapa is not just a song, it is a journey into the unseen, a tribute to the weight carried in silence and the battles far from the spotlight. Behind every operation is a beating heart, behind the command is a sacrifice. Behind the hero is a story that deserves to be heard.”
He continued by stressing that the moment was not just about music but also about revealing what often goes unnoticed.
PBGen Marantan continued, “Tonight, we unveil more than music. We unveil truth. We unveil humanity. We unveil the song behind the bodies. This is for those who serve without applause, for those who stand in the line of fire not for glory but for country. This is Sa Likod ng Tsapa—and this is the great story. Maraming salamat po.”
His words reminded us of the heart of the documentary — behind every badge is a person whose story is worth sharing.
