John Estrada’s Tearful Goodbye to FPJ’s Batang Quiapo: A Powerful Exit That Touched Everyone Behind the Scenes

John Estrada has officially ended his journey as Police Chief Rigor in FPJ’s Batang Quiapo, and while his final scenes onscreen delivered high-stakes drama, it was the emotional behind-the-scenes farewell that truly resonated with cast, crew, and fans alike.

LOOK: The real John Estrada behind the scenes of FPJ's Batang Quiapo | ABS-CBN Entertainment

Having portrayed one of the show’s most intense and layered characters, Estrada brought life to the morally complex antagonist whose storyline added rich depth to the series. But when the director called his final “cut,” what followed was a moment of heartfelt appreciation and emotion.

According to production sources, the atmosphere on set turned tearful during his last taping day. Coco Martin, both lead actor and director, embraced Estrada warmly, thanking him for the passion he poured into the role. Other cast and crew members echoed the sentiment, with many visibly emotional.

Estrada, in a touching impromptu speech, thanked the entire team:
“This wasn’t an easy role, but because of all of you, every day felt lighter. Thank you, Coco, for the trust. This has been one of the most unforgettable roles of my life.”

Fans have since flooded social media with tributes to his performance, praising how he humanized Rigor and brought complexity to the antagonist role. Edits of his most iconic lines, scenes, and confrontations have gone viral, with many commenting, “Batang Quiapo won’t be the same without Rigor.”

Behind the camera, Estrada earned the reputation of being professional and warm-hearted — a dependable presence who lifted up his co-stars and kept morale high on set.

Now that his time on Batang Quiapo has ended, Estrada hinted at future projects in a recent Instagram post, saying, “Rigor may be gone, but I’m not done. Thank you for the love — see you soon.”

As the series continues, one thing remains clear: John Estrada didn’t just play a role — he made a lasting impact. His farewell marked the end of an era, and fans everywhere salute him for a job well done.

“Saludo, Sir John.”