Maalaala Mo Kaya, February 25: Angel Aquino’s Family Stays Strong Amidst Loss In ‘Ligaw na Trahedya’

Angel Aquino, Jhong Hilario and Ynigo Delen star in Maalaala Mo Kaya’s February 25 episode entitled, “Ligaw na Trahedya.” When a struggling  family finds it hard to make ends meet in a neighborhood that sprawls with drugs and crime, nothing else is worse than losing any member of the home. The story of Ninin and his family is an authentic one. It shows the reality of what law enforcers and families face in the war against drugs.

The Filipino Family’s Struggle is Real

The story opens with Ninin holding a bag of lechon manok (roasted chicken) which he got from a birthday party. The problem is, he did not ask permission to do so. This is stealing to his father, Isong. Isong is a man of principle. He told Ninin that even if the intention to do something is right but is done in a wrong way, the act is still wrong. Ninin promises not to do it again.

Even as barangay tanod, Isong still finds it necessary to drive a habal-habal to raise support for his family. His wife, Marilou, tries to earn as much as she can through their small sari-sari store. They encounter a number of problems as a family. One of the children has meningitis and they are unable to visit the doctor for a check-up. Not all of their children are able to go to school. It is Ninin who was very willing to have his older brother enroll instead of him. In other words, it is difficult to earn and Ninin makes it a bit easier for his family because of his optimism.

Isong Joins Anti-Drug Campaign To Make Ends Meet

Isong joins the barangay anti-drug campaign in the hope of earning more. He signed up to be an enforcer of “Operation Tukhang.” The operatives’ job is to knock on doors and confront drug pushers and users to properly surrender and register for the rehabilitation program. He was assured that the operations will be peaceful. That was what he thought.

After a few days in the service, Isong’s neighbor talked to him. He was angry because his house was visited by the operatives. He thought Isong added his name to the list of drug pushers. Isong said that he did not and that his name was already on the list. Marilou witnesses this discussion and begins to worry. Not only is their financial status because Isong stopped driving, but she feels his husband’s job puts them in grave danger.

Little by little, Isong’s relationship with his neighbors turns sour because of the operation. Ninin, too, lost his best friend. Apparently, in the plight to eradicate drugs, many lives have been lost leaving families hungry. Each day that passes poses a bigger threat.

An Ironic Circumstance Foreshadows Tragedy

Before Isong reports to work, Ninin tells his father about a shield he was making. He said that the shield will protect his father against danger. Unfortunately, he wasn’t finished yet so Ninin thought of making a wooden gun instead. Isong appreciated his son’s gesture and left for work with high spirits. This didn’t last long, however. While doing his usual rounds, Isong witnesses an encounter between motorcycle riders in tandem. Fires were shot and to great dismay, Ninin was hit. The family rushes Ninin to the hospital. The doctors do all they can but he didn’t maket it. Their youngest son is gone. Even the law enforcer experiences the death of a loved one.

A Family’s Love is Greater than Justice

Marilou despises Isong because of Ninin’s death. She blames him for what happened because he did not listen to her pleas to stop his involvement with Operation Tukhang. Isong is hurt but promises to fix the problem. He talks to the Mayor and he only hears promises. He is frustrated that he trusted the system all too much. He never got the justice he seeked. and found himself agreeing to what his wife said. The good thing is love made a way.

After some time, Marilou came to terms with her loss. She sees things in perspective and tells Isong that their son’s death is not his fault. Although Isong is still filled with much regret, Marilou comforts him. She tells him that she did not want to lose him, too. The husband and wife are reconciled. Isong puts his family first before anything else. As long as a family decides to love and stay together, even amidst loss, anything is conquerable.

MMK’s ‘Ligaw na Trahedya’ Viewers Have Much to Say

 

It’s really heartbreaking to know when there are innocent one’s paying for the irresponsible actions of others. #MMKLigawNaTrahedya

— Ey Na Leigh (@EilanaJabs) February 25, 2017

Thanks @MMKOfficial for tonight’s episode, the nation has to see this. ☝??? #MMKLigawNaTrahedya

— Gerlin Balingasa (@GerlinBalingasa) February 25, 2017

the downside of oplan tokhang, innocent lives became collateral damage#MMKLigawNaTrahedya

— DriveThruYourHeart (@DriveThruYou) February 25, 2017

MMK proves that drama shows are instrumental in showing our socio-political realities. #MMKLigawNaTrahedya

— Dulfo2 (@dulfopi) February 25, 2017

Some people aren’t created and born to stay. God sometimes uses them to leave and teach everyone a critical lesson. #MMKLigawNaTrahedya

— Mark Ryan (@ryanceeoh) February 25, 2017