Netizens question SAF 44 film starring ER Ejercito

Screengrab from ER Ejercito’s Facebook Page.

MANILA, Philippines—Is this a joke? Some netizens asked when news came out that ER Ejercito, who was recently ousted as Laguna governor, would star in a film based on the controversial Mamasapano clash.

Ejercito, on Monday, posted on his Facebook page the movie poster for “SAF” (Special Action Force).

It shows the actor wearing a SAF uniform and beret, saluting. Beside him is the SAF logo with the words Tagaligtas and the number 44, which refers to the number of troopers killed in a clash with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF)

“Bilang pagpupugay natin sa 44 bayani ng Elite PNP-SAF officers na nagbuwis ng buhay sa Mamasapano clash, isasapelikula ng inyong lingkod ang makulay na buhay at kabayanihan ng ating mga magigiting na sundalo upang mabigyan ng tamang pagkilala at pagpupugay ang #Heroes44 (In honor of our 44 heroes, the elite PNP-SAF officers who sacrificed their lives during the Mamasapano clash, we will produce a film about the colorful lives and the heroism of our courageous soldiers to recognize and honor our #Heroes 44),” Ejercito posted.

While Ejercito’s fans expressed support for the project, some questioned the decision.

“Gov., isn’t this a bit early? I mean, the investigations are not yet done. The true story may not be accurately depicted. I’m NOT AGAINST filming this and showing this to the public but wouldn’t it give true justice for the#fallen44 if the film is TRUE to what really happened?” someone replied to the post.

“I think pwede naman po gawin ng Gob ang palabas na ito, pero sana hindi po ngayon, kung kailan di pa malinaw ang issue ng Mamasapano,” one Facebook user said. “For the sake na din ng accuracy ng magiging movie nya, I think it would be better na maimbestigahan muna ito ng mabuti, without pointing fingers sa scripts. (I think Gov can do this movie, but not now because we still need to clarify the Mamasapano issue. For the sake of the movie’s accuracy, I think it would be better that it will first be investigated, without the script pointing fingers at people.)”

The said clash, which happened on Jan. 25, is still being investigated by a Board of Inquiry. In addition to the 44 SAF troopers, at least five civilians and 18 MILF members were also killed.

Initial reports said it was a “misencounter” caused by a lack of coordination with the MILF, which is in peace talks with the Philippine government, and the military. While the group succeeded in killing international terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, the public was outraged at the large number of casualties, especially on the part of the police.

On the other hand, a number of commenters said they hoped the proceeds from the film would benefit the families of the SAF troopers.

Filipino netizens on Twitter were less forgiving.

“Ano to joke (Is this a joke)?” one said in reply to a news report on the film.

“Stop trying to be relevant. Just, no,” Twitter user @pashpotato said.

Meanwhile, @mark_my_w0rds posted, “A cheap, albeit effective way to campaign. Politicians will do anything and everything to be elected.”

Others called on Ejercito to “Respect and dignify the lives of (the) SAF (troopers).”

Some also criticized the look of the poster.

“When can ER Ejercito find a good movie poster creator?” a Twitter user said. KS