Matteo Guidicelli Explores Stories of Heroism in ‘Philippine Defenders’ This Saturday

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This 2025, GMA Public Affairs spotlights the courage of Filipinos who risk their lives in the name of duty, honor, and country in the compelling documentary PHILIPPINE DEFENDERS, premiering on May 17 at 3:15 PM on GMA-7.

Led by 2LT Matteo Guidicelli (reservist), the special documentary explores the untold stories of the sacrifices of Filipino soldiers through his first hand experiences and gripping encounters.

Join Matteo as he boards a military aircraft for a high-risk aerial patrol mission with the AFP, surveying the presence of Chinese vessels within Philippine territory.

Matteo’s group also joins the AFP’s Rotation and Resupply Mission (RORE) — the critical operation that delivers food and supplies to Filipino soldiers stationed on disputed islands.

From sea to land — the documentary gives viewers an inside look at the Presidential Security Command (PSC), the elite unit tasked with protecting the President of the Philippines.

At Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, home of the Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), Matteo undergoes intense military training, including a challenging live parachute jump from an aircraft.

Through his journey, Matteo meets soldiers who survived the harrowing Marawi Siege — warriors who lost limbs in battle, yet found the strength to rise again and continue serving the country with honor.

From land to sea to sky, PHILIPPINE DEFENDERS is a powerful story of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism — a reminder of the valor of the men and women who safeguard the nation’s freedom with unwavering resolve.

Don’t miss PHILIPPINE DEFENDERS this May 17, 3:15 PM on GMA 7.