Seen in the country’s top primetime series FPJ's Batang Quiapo, actor McCoy de Leon is known by many for his role as David, the vengeful half-brother-turned-enemy of lead character Tanggol (played by Coco Martin), which he has been playing for the past two years.

This year, McCoy takes on a different kind of role, as he stars in a Viva Films project In Thy Name. The film is inspired by the story of the martyrdom of Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, a Claretian missionary who served in Basilan, Mindanao and was kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf in 2000. 

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In an Instagram post, McCoy shared more about his latest role of a real-life priest who is abducted by the rebels. He wrote, “Si Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, ay isang Claretian priest na naglingkod sa Basilan. Masiyahin na pari si father palaging nakangiti at [soft]-spoken. Noong 2000, dinukot siya ng Abu Sayyaf sa kabila ng hirap at torture sa pagkakabihag, nanatili siyang matatag sa kanyang pananampalataya. Itinuturing siyang martir ng simbahan dahil sa kanyang sakripisyo at tapang para sa kanyang misyon.”

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In his post last February 3, McCoy shared more clips from what went on behind-the-scenes on the film and revealed his approach towards embodying the role. He wrote, “Characterization is one of the most crucial aspects of this movie (In Thy Name), especially when portraying a real person, getting into character—every detail counts. Totoong tao ang gagampanan ko kaya kailangan maibagay ko ang bawat detalye sa lahat ng ginagawa niya sa buhay, ultimo kung paano siya magsulat at magbasa ng Bibliya.

"Hindi lang kilos, pagsasalita, at ugali ang kailangang pag-aralan, kundi pati ang kanyang pinagmulan, kinalakihan, at mga paniniwala. Ang kanyang nakaraan ay mahalaga para mas maunawaan ko kung paano siya nag-isip at kumilos sa bawat sitwasyon. Ang bawat karanasan niya ay isang detalye ng kanyang pagkatao, at ito ang gusto kong maipakita nang tapat sa pelikula.”

The 29-year-old actor also revealed his latest discovery from the role, which was learning how to properly deliver a mass like a real priest. “Isa sa pinaka masaya ako na natutunan ko dito, ang tamang pag sagawa ng Misa—mula sa bawat kilos at pananalita na isinasagawa ng isang pari. Dahil bata pa lang ako lumaki ako na laging nanunuod ng misa Linggo Linggo. Kaya sana oh mabigyan niyo ng pagkakataon mapanuod itong pelikula ito. ☺️” he wrote.

In Thy Name stars McCoy De Leon, JC de Vera, Mon Confiado, Jerome Ponce, Yves Flores, and Aya Fernandez. It is directed by Ceasar Soriano and Rommel Galapia Ruiz under Viva Films. It opens in cinemas nationwide starting March 5, 2025.