Lotlot de Leon dedicates role in 'On The Job' sequel to 'courageous' journalists

Lotlot de Leon said her respect for those working in the media has grown after portraying a publication editor in the film "On The Job: The Missing 8."

In an online interview with the press on Tuesday, the actress said she would like to dedicate her role to those who are risking their lives for what is right.

"I'm dedicating this to everyone, especially journalists, na laging nakalagay ang buhay sa alanganin because of the work they do and for those na ang prinsipyo ay 'di nababali," she said.

["I'm dedicating this to everyone, especially journalists, whose lives are always on the line because of the work they do and for those who stand by their principles."]

Playing the role of Weng, a journalist who always stands for the truth, Lotlot said she was able to show how bravery of the press.

"Weng was able to impart how hard it is to be courageous when you're in front of [those] na alam mong hindi basta-basta pwedeng banggain," she said.

["Weng was able to impart how hard it is to be courageous when you're in front of people who are not easy to pick a fight with."]

"I think she'll be able to show her frustrations and hanggang saan kaya ng journalists makipaglaban para sa totoo [up to where journalists can fight for the truth]," she added.

According to data by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), 86 journalists were confirmed to be killed in the Philippines since 1992.

John Arcilla, playing a journalist named Sisoy Salas who defends the government until it affects his loved ones negatively, said that the film will serve as an eye-opener.

"We have to find ways to be empowered as Filipino people," he said. "Sana 'pag napanood natin 'to, matakot na tayo (kasi) ganito na pala tayo katindi talaga."

["I hope when we watch this, we'll be scared because this is how intense it is."]

"On The Job: The Missing 8," which also stars Christopher De Leon, Dennis Trillo, and Dante Rivero, circles on the story of a journalist who looks into the disappearance of his colleagues.

The film will premiere on September 10 at the 78th Venice Film Festival.

It will also be available for streaming on HBO GO on September 12 as a part of a six-episode series. The 2013 film will be split into two parts to serve as the series' first two episodes, while "The Missing 8" will be the fresh episodes.

—MGP, GMA News