From denial to moving on: Team Alpha of “Coco Martin’s Sigabo” goes through stages of grief over Sam’s presumed death

While ex-NCIA Agent Samantha “Sam” Jacinto (Julia Montes) continues to adjust in the simple life in Ginintuang Lupa as the fake wife of Gabo (Coco Martin), who is pretending to be suffering from amnesia—and has been enjoying it so far—her family and former colleagues in NCIA are already mourning her presumed death in “Coco Martin’s Sigabo.” 

It may have been difficult for both parties to accept that she is truly gone, especially since the only thing recovered is the red leather jacket she wore the last time they saw her alive. However, with the jacket found tattered and riddled with bullet holes, they had no choice but to finally accept her grim fate.  

Although her body has yet to be found, the Jacintos have decided to hold a funeral service for Sam, while barring her colleagues from the NCIA from attending. They blame Sam’s superior, Director Fernando Delgado (Soliman Cruz), for her untimely demise, as he was the one who appointed her to lead the investigation against the notorious Zafra family. With that, the NCIA decides to simply conduct a separate solemn tribute ceremony for their “fallen” comrade.

CCM Film Productions gives viewers a sneak peek into the highly emotional event in one of the recent videos uploaded on their official Facebook page, wherein the cast members playing the NCIA agents under Team Alpha share their thoughts about the passing of their leader-slash-friend and their farewell messages for her, which represent the different stages of grief.  

Via Antonio, who plays Agent Karen Limbaga—the closest of them all to Sam—reveals that her character is still struggling to accept that they will no longer be able to work alongside Sam on their missions. That’s her being a colleague of Sam, but as her friend, with whom she has shared so much of her life both in and outside of work, accepting Sam’s supposed death is even more difficult.  

Karen remains in the first stage of grief, “denial.” Despite the recovery of Sam’s jacket, she firmly believes that her friend is still alive because her body has yet to be found. Thus, she gives Sam a special shoutout, urging her to reveal herself, even if only to her. 

Mark Lapid, meanwhile, who takes on the role of Agent Tony Castor, shows signs of being in the second stage, “anger.” As the youngest member of their group, Tony regards Sam not only as a colleague and leader, but also as a bunsong kapatid. That is why it hurts him deeply that they were unable to see her in her final moments, especially since the members of Team Alpha have always considered one another family. 

Showing signs of being in the third stage of grief, “bargaining,” is Agent James Borromeo, played by John Medina. This stage often involves dwelling on “if only” or “what if” thoughts and imagining how the loss could have been prevented or undone. Although he is clearly saddened and on the verge of tears, James tries to hold them back because he knows he has to remain strong.  

In his message to Sam, he tells her that NCIA needs her now more than ever, as they are slowly falling apart, with the members of Team Alpha now at odds with one another, it has become increasingly difficult for them to remain focused and organized in carrying out their missions. 

As her self-proclaimed “almost boyfriend,” it’s truly surprising that Agent Sebastian “Seb” Tuazon, portrayed by JC De Vera, is already in the “acceptance” stage. According to him, it’s mainly because the evidence recovered by their team, coupled with the circumstances surrounding Sam’s disappearance, has convinced him that she is indeed gone. 

Staying in his character, JC expresses Seb’s regret that he and Sam will no longer be able to continue their love story, especially since he firmly believes that he is her future boyfriend. He also points out that Sam still had unfinished missions, including the Zafra case. Thus, he vows to exact vengeance against the Zafras for what they have done to her—and to remain lovable for her. 

Meanwhile, Agent Bullet Sequoia, the character played by Eric “Eruption” Tai, appears to have moved beyond the traditional stages of grief and is already in the stage of “finding meaning” behind the tragedy. He expresses gratitude to Sam for everything she has done for them, for her being a great leader and role model, and for always pushing them to become the best versions of themselves. 

And lastly, Ryan Martin’s character Agent Robert Reyes seems to have already moved forward while still holding on to the memories Sam left with them. He expresses his gratitude for her leadership, the moments they shared as a group, and the advice she imparted to them. Above all, he assures Sam that she will forever live on in their hearts and memories. 

Aside from their respective interviews, this video also features behind-the-scenes clips of the Team Alpha members filming their scenes with Julia. 

While each Team Alpha member grieves in their own way, their messages prove how deeply Sam has touched their lives. Will they ever find out that she’s still alive and just hiding to be able to accomplish her personal mission? Is there still a chance for them to be reunited someday? 

Let’s all find out by not missing an episode of “Coco Martin’s Sigabo,” weeknights at 8:00 PM on ABS-CBN sa ALLTV2, Kapamilya Channel, TV5, A2Z, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), or stream anytime on iWant!