For seven years, “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” dominated the weeknight primetime viewing habit of many Filipinos, as it consistently remained undisputed in its timeslot throughout its run from 2015 to 2022. Thus, we can say that it’s really inevitable for its avid viewers not to get attached and feel immense sepanx (or “separation anxiety”) towards its powerhouse cast even years after it concluded.
Those who have been following two of its cast members, John Medina and Marc Solis—who played main protagonist Ricardo “Cardo” Dalisay’s (Coco Martin) friends and colleagues P/Maj. Avel "Billy" M. Guzman and PS/MSgt. Rigor Soriano, respectively—on Facebook might have seen their posts reminiscing about some of their fondest off-cam moments with their “Ang Probinsyano” co-stars, particularly with those who were part of Task Force Agila.
And for those who’ve missed the troop many have come to love, let’s look back on their long, grueling, heroic journey—along with some of their behind-the-scenes photos we’ve compiled in this gallery.
“FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano’s” elite group also included Cardo, Billy, and Rigor’s former colleagues in the police service: Chief MSgt. Jerome Girona (John Prats), PCpt. Francisco “Chikoy” Rivera (Michael Roy Jornales), PCpt. Mark Vargas (Lester Llansang), and MSgt. Rolando Reyes (Hyubs Azarcon).
Cardo also recruited several trusted allies who had helped and supported him in his fight, such as Patrolman Ramil “Manager” Taduran (Michael de Mesa), Pat. Marsial “Butete” Mateo (Smugglaz), Pat. Patrick Espinosa (CJ Ramos), Pat. George “Wangbu” Espinosa (Jobert Austria), Pat. Dante “Bulate” Villafuerte (Bassilyo), and Pat. Gregorio “Greco” Cortez (Sancho Delas Alas). Also part of the mighty team were P/Lt. Col. Victor A. Basco (Raymart Santiago), P/Maj. Roxanne Opeña (Shaina Magdayao), BGen. Diana T. Olegario (Angel Aquino), and James Cordero (Jay Gonzaga).
Avid viewers can probably recall that Task Force Agila actually started as a far-left vigilante group named “Vendetta,” which Cardo formed after his time undercover in the rebel group “Pulang Araw,” which was being pinned by the authorities as the culprit behind the terrorist attack in Manila that wounded and killed many people, including his and wife Alyana’s (Yassi Pressman) child, Ricky Boy. It was initially comprised of a few members of “Pulang Araw” who became friends with Cardo as they shared the same aspiration of cleansing the corrupt and incompetent government of Lucas (Edu Manzano), Renato Hipolito (John Arcilla), and their allies.
Despite being low in number, funds, and armaments—not to mention putting their lives on the line in every mission—Vendetta managed to intensify their efforts to expose the crimes of the powerful, corrupt politicians leading the country, as well as to rescue the civilians from abuse, which earned them the sympathy and astonishment of their fellow Filipinos, including the president himself.
It happened after they saved him from two assassination plots intended to depose him as the head of the nation, which made him realize that the true enemies were those surrounding him, posing as his allies, and not Vendetta. In order to protect him from harm, they strived to do anything they could to restore him back to the presidency after his supposed political ally, Vice Pres. Lucas Cabrera betrayed him and unlawfully took the position from him. The Vendetta tagged the president along with them in their missions and other shenanigans.
After everything that the members of Vendetta had gone through, including their almost endless clashes and deadly encounters against the enemies, they were able to fulfill their promise of bringing Oscar back to office. However, as they rebuffed his suggestion for them to surrender to the authorities, the president was forced to betray them by having them arrested, which the group understood. Oscar used his power to pardon them not long after and went on to recruit them to the presidential anti-crime task force, alongside the police officers he had picked. To prepare them for action and other challenges that might have come their way, Task Force Agila went through the rigorous trainings of the Philippine National Police (PNP), especially those who weren’t part of the police force yet.
Their biggest battle came when Pres. Hidalgo fell into a drug-induced coma as orchestrated by his new wife, Lily (Lorna Tolentino), who, unbeknownst to him, only married him in order to secure greater control and power as the First Lady of the Republic and as the country's drug baroness along with executive secretary Arturo "Art" M. Padua (Tirso Cruz III). She and her allies attempted to get rid of Task Force Agila, especially Cardo and his family, but failed as the remaining members of the group managed to exodus to the Ilocos region where they sought refuge.
Just when they assumed that they were already safe, Task Force Agila was later discovered by local police, which resulted in a bloody shootout. They also had an encounter with the group of Armando (John Estrada) and Lolita (Rosanna Roces), who initially posed as their ally only to secretly betray them to seize the bounty on Cardo. As Armando’s group attempted to eliminate Task Force Agila, the latter managed to escape death with the help of one of the former’s men, Lucas (Joseph Marco), and adoptive daughter Mara (Julia Montes).
As the enemies were able to track them down, Task Force Agila found themselves in a more perilous situation since not only one, but two or three groups were very much determined in fulfilling their shared goals of defeating them. While they’d managed to defeat most of them, all of Cardo’s comrades were haplessly killed during their ultimate combat against Renato and his allies and henchmen as they sacrificed themselves to help Cardo and Pres. Hidalgo escape.
In the end, Pres. Hidalgo ultimately put an end on Renato’s wickedness by killing him during their faceoff. A few days later, a vigil, state funeral, and Catholic memorial service were hosted by the president for the fallen members of Task Force Agila to honor them.
Cardo got promoted to Police Major for his unwavering service, which he later let go as he decided to retire and return to his family in Botolan. Oscar then married his estranged first love Aurora (Sharon Cuneta), while their long-lost daughter Mara had a quite kilig encounter with Cardo, hinting at a possible new beginning between them.
Though the scenes were often serious, intense, and action-packed, this gallery shows a different side behind the camera—filled with laughter, lighthearted moments, and genuine camaraderie. It reflects the strong bond and brotherhood they built over years of working together, enduring multiple presidencies, the pandemic, and every challenge along the way.
Were you able to follow Tanggol and Task Force Agila on their long and arduous journey, Kapamilya? Which among their moments together was your favorite?
*Photos credit to Marc Solis and John Medina