While it may not have backing from big production companies or networks, ‘Sa Likod ng Tsapa’ managed to be showcased outside the Philippines and be recognized with the Outstanding Excellence Award at the Documentaries Without Borders International Film Festival last March 15, 2026, and a Special Mention Award at the Dhaka International Film Festival in Bangladesh. These accolades serve as a testament to the raw power of documentary storytelling, proving that real-life stories can transcend budgetary constraints and geographical borders. By shedding light on the intricate layers of the human experience behind the uniform, the film has captured the attention of not just Filipinos but also audiences around the world.
We talked to the people behind the action docudrama ‘Sa Likod ng Tsapa’, internationally titled ‘Beneath The Badge’, about the film’s recent achievements and its newly released theme song and music video.
Reception from the screenings outside of the Philippines
“Nung sa Dhaka, parang naiyak ako, kasi hindi ko in-expect na pulis pala ‘yung nakanood. Nilapitan ako at kinausap, ‘So you’re the director?’ Sabi ko, yes. ‘You know what? It happens to us.’ So, nakaka-relate sila sa journey ng Filipino police officers. Nung nasa South Africa kami, that was December, that was three days after binaril ‘yung police colonel na nag-investigate ng corruption sa kanila, tapos on the fourth day, nag-screening kami sa academe. Paglabas ko, sabi niya, ‘Can you show that to the people of Johannesburg?’ Sabi ko, this is just a screening for the fraymedia Foundation in South Africa. Nakaka-relate sila and sabi nila it happens to them, so meaning, the acts and the scenes which they went through, are also experienced by other police officers in other countries. So, there’s no monopoly of injustice, there’s no monopoly of pain and sacrifices of the police officers. It’s a universal thing,” director Editha Caduaya shares.
“Sa isang screening, dapat uuwi na kami kasi tapos na ang screening. Hindi namin alam, pero nung awarding na, lumapit ‘yung isang general na retired. Sabi niya, ‘I watched your movie. You know what? It happens here. Now, it’s happening here.’ So, that was the time pala na kasagsagan ng preparation for their election in Bangladesh, kaya relate na relate ‘yung mga pulis na nakapanood,” director Editha continues.
With its story unraveling corruption and injustices in the police system, were there any threats while making it or releasing it?
“’Yung mga involved na cases, sumagot naman sila. Siguro, in the spirit of fair and balanced reporting, we were able to present all the evidence. Walang naging threat so far. Or baka takot lang din talaga sila kay sir (Marantan)?” director Editha jokes.
Uncovering the realities of how corrupt the system is, what makes Police Brigadier General Hansel M. Marantan continue his fight?
“Do I have a choice?” PBGEN Marantan straightfully answers.
“I have to vindicate myself, not for me but for my children. Hindi ako pwedeng mag-kwento na loser ako. That’s not me. Sabi nga sa akin, ‘Backing down? That is not very Marantan.’ And because it is the right thing to do. I have to uncover it, expose the true side of it, because if I keep silent, ‘yung truth, hindi na ‘yan lalabas. Kung umatras ako sa Atimonan? Hindi ako lumaban legally? Baka nakakulong pa kaming lahat ngayon, kasi some of the supposed witnesses were very aggressive, but nun na-realize nila na we were ready to confront them head on, even the prosecutors, walang na-conclude kasi hindi naman totoo. The way to uncover it is to gauge it head-on. That’s how to do it, as far as I am concerned,” PBGEN Marantan continues.
Aside from the film’s international achievements, ‘Sa Likod ng Tsapa’ has released its official theme song and music video, both titled ‘Sa Likod ng Tsapa’, which is now available on digital music stores worldwide.
Read our full video coverage below: