When any social conflicts arise, people typically rely on the authorities for protection. But what happens when those in power themselves are the real enemy? In “Blood vs Duty,” Agent Marcus Reyes (Richard Gutierrez) bravely stands against the corrupt system even if he’s the only person left standing, leading him to be a symbol of hope in a sea of malicious minds.
In this ABS-CBN Studios exclusive, Richard confidently elaborated on the striking characteristics he loves and hates about the heroic Marcus.
LOVE: Richard takes pride in Marcus’ family-oriented side
From the pilot episode, Marcus naturally expressed his tender-hearted identity as a dutiful son to his mother, Teresa (Susan Africa). Early on in his life, Marcus was the sole person that his mother was able to depend on to look after his younger brother, Gabriel, given that their father left them behind.
On a tragic night when he had lost his brother to a maritime accident, Marcus then grew more protective of his mother, the only family member he still has. This is further demonstrated during Metal 13’s hostage situation of S. Trinidad Hospital, where Teresa was working.
Upon witnessing what was happening, Marcus immediately directed his team to stealthily enter the hospital, desperate to rescue his mother while simultaneously ensuring that they accomplish the mission without casualties.
WATCH: Marcus at Jalil, nalamang nasa panganib sina Teresa at Jamilah | Blood vs Duty
LOVE: Richard emphasizes Marcus’ sincere dedication to his work
Marcus’ honesty and integrity are a breath of relief for many who feel that there is not much hope when a justice-giving system becomes corrupted by self-serving law enforcement officers.
Intelligent and careful enough to investigate the repeated abduction of Datu Rahman (Jaime Fabregas) as well as the truth of the Isla Damai massacre on his own, Marcus eventually called attention to the suspected accomplices of injustice inside NLEA’s meeting room, alongside Director Azuelo (Rommel Padilla), who reclaimed his moral compass and finally sided with Marcus.
WATCH: Marcus, pinaringgan ang kanilang mga opisyal sa NLEA | Blood vs Duty
LOVE: Richard lauds Marcus’ reliability in both SID and Task Force Alpha
From serving as the head agent to taking on the role of the supervising agent, Marcus’ reliability has never wavered. Instead of simply standing out as one of the highest-performing operatives in NLEA and SID, Marcus maintained a grounded personality, always focusing on rational and well-informed decisions.
More about the Metal 13 hostage-taking incident inside S. Trinidad Hospital, even though he frequently clashed with Allan (Gerald Anderson), Marcus still saved him the instant when enemies surrounded and shot at them, which stunned Allan.
WATCH: Jalil at Marcus, iniligtas ang isa’t isa mula sa panganib | Blood vs Duty
THE CHALLENGE: Marcus’ strength and weakness is his passion
For Richard, he doesn’t specifically dislike anything about Marcus, mainly because he enjoys portraying the character. When discussing Marcus’s shortcomings, the actor mentioned his passion as a defining trait, which serves as both his strength and weakness. “Sometimes [it’s his passion] that crosses [the] boundaries of other people,” Richard clarified.
On rare occasions, Marcus’ passion prevents him from recognizing those around him. This was evident during his interrogation of Datu Rahman, when Marcus found it difficult to accept the Datu’s truth. It was only when he returned to Isla Damai on his own that he ultimately discovered evidence of Datu Rahman’s innocence.
WATCH: Marcus, sinikap tuklasin ang buong katotohanan kay Datu Rahman | Blood vs Duty
Root for Marcus’ pursuit of justice in “Blood vs Duty,” streaming on iWant and airing weeknights at 8pm on ABS-CBN sa ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, and Kapamilya Online Live (KOL).
LOOK: Richard and Gerald’s brotherly bond behind the scenes of “Blood vs Duty”
“Blood vs Duty” leads uncover where they click and clash with their characters
Inside Look: “Blood vs Duty’s” on-set gallery captures dedication and good times
Richard ushers in a new level of action-drama intensity in “Blood vs Duty”