"Antigo" (Documentary by Jay Taruc)

Episode on September 13, 2010 Monday after Saksi! Feared by ruthless criminals and respected by most law abiding citizens especially Manilans, the country’s longest standing police force tagged as “Manila’s Finest" was once the premiere crime busting unit in the Philippines. As the very first police unit established more than a century ago, it has produced some of the most revered officers of the land—Margallo, Jamias, Santiago, Pring to name a few. But as the years passed, even the so-called finest were not spared from problems and criticism. Recent events drew attention to what critics say is a poor and deteriorating performance by Manila’s police force. And with the tragic end of the Quirino hostage-taking last August 23, some say that the word “finest" can no longer be associated with the men and women in uniform of Manila. I-Witness takes a closer look at Manila’s police force and retraces its glory days from the eyes of the “Antigos" (a local slang used to describe veterans and old timers of the force). Jay Taruc spends time with the Antigos, and uncovers the evolution of a unit that was once considered the best. “Antigo" airs this Monday, September 13, right after Saksi.