Being on the spotlight is not what our law enforcement officers usually do; rather, they are called to serve and protect–securing our communities, and maintaining peace and order.
Rare as it may seem, it has been a truly humbling and proud moment for the Philippine National Police (PNP) when its short advocacy film, “Benepisyo“, took the spotlight, winning the Best Advocacy Film category in the first-ever Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Short Film Festival.
The film is one of the over 500 short film entries that went through rigorous screening. Among the nominated films, Benepisyo stood out for its unique advocacy, capturing the daily uncertainty and valiant sacrifice of law enforcement officers – reminding the viewers that behind every uniform is a parent, a spouse, and a friend who deserves not just benefits, but also the ultimate respect.
Benepisyo is a short digital advocacy film that highlights the daily sacrifices and heroic acts of the men and women in uniform as they perform their mandated duties and responsibilities, risking life and limb to serve and protect the community. It also emphasizes the valor of police officers who are wounded or killed in police operations, underscoring the benefits and privileges provided to them and their families. Moreover, the film, offers relevant information to raise awareness and reassure the public that the government in general, and PNP in particular, will not abandon these officers and their families no matter what happens.
PNP Chief, Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, together with Police Major General Rhoderick Augustus B. Alba, Director for Police Community Relations (DPCR); and Police Brigadier General Marvin Joe C. Saro, Director of Police Community Affairs and Development Group (PCADG), personally accepted the trophy during the Awards Night held at the Music Museum in San Juan City on May 10, 2025.
In his brief message, PGen Marbil underscored PNP’s commitment to raise public awareness of the benefits and assistance given to its personnel and their families when officers are injured or killed in operations.
“Layunin ng PNP na ipakita at ipaalam sa publiko ang mga benepisyo at tulong na ibinibigay ng pulisya sa mga kasamahan nating nasusugatan o nasasawi sa mga operasyon. Hinding-hindi natin sila pababayaan,” PGen Marbil said.
This award celebrates the continuing legacy of our nation’s peacekeepers and their sacrifices for the country and the people. It is not only a recognition of the quality and impact of the film, but also a tribute to the sheer dedication and bravery of every police officer in their daily service to the community. It also highlights the support and assistance provided by PNP, the government, and other partner agencies to police officers who are wounded and killed in the line of duty.
This short film was realized through the initiative of PGen Marbil as part of his advocacy to strengthen the morale and welfare of police officers and their families. In less than an hour on screen, Benepisyo not only won the Best Advocacy Film but also captured the hearts of its viewers. Its success lies in its call to remember, respect, and recognize those who protect our communities – our nation’s peacekeepers.
