MANILA, Philippines — JC de Vera didn’t hesitate to take on a villain role in VIVA Films’ “In Thy Name,” now showing in cinemas. He portrays Khadaffy Janjalani, brother of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) founder Abdurajak Abubakar Janjalani in the film directed by Ceasar Soriano and Rommel Galapia Ruiz.

“Just being in this film makes me so proud and honored,” the actor declared during the Red Carpet Premiere Night of “In Thy Name,” held last Tuesday at SM North Edsa Cinema 7.

“Not only because it’s my first time to play a villain role, but also because I became part of the story of Father Rhoel Gallardo. If you’ve watched the film, you’ll see that there’s a lot of hope and faith throughout. So, we’re very thankful that we’re finally going to see it, and I’m so grateful to be part of it.”

“In Thy Name” tells the story of Claretian priest Father Rhoel Gallardo (played by McCoy de Leon), who was abducted in the town of Sumisip, along with a number of students and faculty members. The Abu Sayyaf’s hostage-taking incident in Basilan happened on March 20, 2000.

Described as an inspiring story of unwavering faith, love for peace, and heroism, the film’s release coincided with the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope. It premiered in cinemas last Ash Wednesday and is produced by GreatCzar Media Productions.

John Estrada, Jerome Ponce, Mon Confiado, JC De Vera, Arron Villaflor, Gold Aceron, Martin Escudero, Pen Medina, Yves Flores, Alex Medina, Ynez Veneracion, Aya Fernandez, Soliman Cruz, Elora Españo, Kat Galang, Ana Abad Santos, Richard Quan, Kenken Nuyad, Cassy Lavarias, and JM Soriano are also part of the cast.

JC with lead star McCoy de Leon and directors Ceasar Soriano and Rommel Galapia Ruiz.

Photos courtesy of VIVA Films

Military officials who were involved in the Basilan encounter attended the premiere night to show their support for the film.

Playing Khadaffy was very challenging, JC told The STAR. When asked how tough it was to portray the role, he said that people should watch the film to see for themselves.

At an earlier press conference, JC said he never had second thoughts about taking on an antagonist role in “In Thy Name.”

He thanked the directors for the “wonderful opportunity” given to him. “It’s not every day that I get to play this kind of role. I’ve been in the mainstream industry for a long time, doing TV dramas, and I never really got villain roles. So this time, it’s a very nice opportunity for me. I can now add to my résumé that I once played a character like this.”

He admitted that the role was demanding but said he “fully embraced” it. “As an actor, once we read the script, we decide whether to accept it or not.”

When the offer came to play Khadaffy, he immediately said yes. “I really wanted to do the role. I was even the one following up, asking, ‘What’s the status?’ I was very eager to do this.”

Beyond that, he wanted to work with McCoy, Mon, and the rest of the cast. It was also his first time being directed by Ceasar. “Working with people for the first time is exciting because it brings a fresh approach to playing a character.”

Direk Rommel, meanwhile, praised JC’s versatility as an actor. “When we chose him, I thought, this is a different kind of character. He’s a different kind of villain that I feel suits him. It’s very different to see him portray a terrorist character, and I think he fits Janjalani’s character very well.”

JC has appeared in GMA Network’s series “Sugo” and “Captain Barbell,” as well as ABS-CBN shows “The Legal Wife,” “The General’s Daughter,” and “La Vida Lena.”