Title: EX-CON
Genre: Action | Crime | Romance
Run Time: 1h 40m
Released: 13 December 2000
Country of Origin: Philippines
Language: Filipino
Director: Toto Natividad
Writer: Willy Laconsay
Production Company: STAR CINEMA PRODUCTION, INC.
Synopsis: Lieutenant Ariel Vergara, a veteran police officer known for his expertise in leading the anti-narcotics squad, found himself on a dangerous mission that would test his skills. With iron determination, he decided to go undercover and assume the identity of an inmate named Turo in a notorious correctional facility. His goal? Infiltrate the inner workings of a formidable Chinese triad organization that has a firm grip on the illegal activities plaguing the city.
As Turo, Lieutenant Vergara deftly manoeuvred through the dangerous labyrinth of prison life, his every move calculated and precise. His ultimate goal was to befriend a prominent Triad member, Kai, whose influence and power within the criminal underworld was legendary. Thanks to his keen intelligence and natural charisma, Lieutenant Vergara managed to gain the trust of Kai, who, fascinated by Turo's enigmatic character, recognized the potential in him.
Taking advantage of this unique opportunity, Turo cleverly positioned himself as Kai's loyal bodyguard, a role that gave him unprecedented access to the inner workings of the Triad. From the shadows, he meticulously observed their secret rituals, studied the complex web of connections that supported their operations, and meticulously collected irrefutable evidence that would expose their nefarious activities.
With each passing day, Turo's reports became more detailed and comprehensive, painting a vivid picture of Triad operations in the Philippine sector. He meticulously documented their illegal transactions, their network of informants, and the key players who organized their criminal empire. Armed with this invaluable information, Turo knew that the time had come to overthrow the Triad and restore order to the city.
At a secret meeting with Colonel Fajardo, a respected law enforcement official known for his unwavering commitment to justice, and Lieutenant Tam, an experienced investigator known for his keen instincts, Turo presented his carefully collected evidence. The room was filled with anticipation as Turo unravelled the complex web of corruption that had ensnared the Triad.
With steely determination, Colonel Fajardo and Lieutenant Tam carefully analyzed the evidence and worked in perfect synchronization on a plan that would destroy the Triad's operations once and for all. The stakes were high, but her resolve was unwavering.
Armed with the knowledge provided by Turo, police launched a carefully coordinated operation that targeted key Triad strongholds and arrested its most influential members. The city shook as the Triad Empire collapsed and its once impenetrable fortress was reduced to rubble.
Ultimately, it was the unwavering dedication of Lieutenant Ariel Vergara, who risked her life to break into the ranks of the Triad, that brought about their downfall. His careful observations and unwavering commitment to justice paved the way for a better future, free from the clutches of organized crime. The city owed him a great debt of gratitude because he had proven that the light of truth would prevail even in the face of darkness.
On an isolated and deserted island, far from the prying eyes of civilization, a carefully planned police operation is in full swing. The goal? To capture the infamous drug shipments that have plagued the region for far too long. The atmosphere is tense, the agents move with calculated precision, their hearts pounding in their throats, and they know that the slightest misstep can lead to catastrophe.
In the midst of this risky operation comes an unexpected moment of revelation. Turo, a man who operates in secret and hides his true identity, decides it is time to reveal himself to Kai, a trusted ally. The irony of the situation is palpable, as it is Turo himself who suffers the most from this revelation of betrayal. The weight of his actions weighs on him and causes deep pain in his veins.
In a twist of fate, Kai remains true to his admiration for Turo despite the shocking revelation. He looks beyond the surface and realizes the complexity of the deadly game in which they are involved. To Kai, Turo is a man of honour and courage, someone who navigates the dangerous waters of this criminal world with a sense of purpose and integrity. Even though he surrenders to the authorities, his admiration for Turo remains undiminished.
However, the story doesn't end there. Kai's arrest marks only a temporary pause in the tireless search for justice. Turo, now overwhelmed by the force of his actions, receives awards and medals for his role in dismantling the criminal network. But deep down he knows the game is far from over. The Triad, a powerful and elusive organization, will not rest until it exacts its revenge.
Unfortunately, Kai's fate takes a dark turn. The Triad pursues him tirelessly, sending their most talented assassins to eliminate him. In a cruel twist of fate, Kai falls victim to their deadly machinations, leaving behind a void that can never be filled.
Meanwhile, the president of the Triad's Philippine branch, Lim Ket Sung, is arrested by the authorities. However, due to lack of sufficient evidence, he was quickly released, leaving a bitter taste of injustice in those seeking revenge.
Turo, filled with a burning desire for justice, is forced to take matters into his own hands. The conviction coursing through his veins propels him forward and pushes him to defy the boundaries of the law. In a crucial and harrowing final encounter, he confronts what's left of the union, determined to bring them to their knees.
Eventually, the mastermind of the whole thing, General Magdayao, is caught and put behind bars. The man who orchestrated the network of fraud and corruption is now disempowered and his reign of terror comes to a brilliant end.
In this story of betrayal, honour and revenge, the lines between good and evil blur as the characters navigate a world where justice is a fragile concept. The island, once a haven for criminal activity, is now forever scarred by the bloodshed and unrest that took place on its shores. And as the dust settles, one can only wonder what awaits those forever changed by this harrowing journey.
Top Billed: VICTOR NERI
Starring: DEREK DEE, ALEX CORTEZ and RICA PERALEJO
Also Starring: TOBY ALEJAR, NONI, BUENCAMINO, PATRICK DELA ROSA, JEFFREY SANTOS, ROMMEL MONTANO, MELISSA MENDEZ, LOUIE KITANA, MIKE CASTILLO, ALJON VALDENEBRO, CRIS VERTIDO, JOHNNY VICAR
Associate Director: FERDIE SALVADOR
Fight Director: JIMMY REYES
Sound Engineer: ALEXANDER 'BOYET' RIMA
Musical Director: EDWIN 'KIKO' ORTEGA
Film Editor: ROGELIO 'EYO' SALVADOR
Production Designer: BOY TABLIZO
Director of Photography: RAMON MARCELINO, FSC, & RUDY DIñO, FSC
Story and Screenplay: WILLY LACONSAY
Supervising Producer: TESS V. FUENTES
Executive Producer: MALOU N. SANTOS & CHARO SANTOS-CONCIO
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