Smaller and Smaller Circles 2019

In the sweltering summer of 1997, a harrowing event unfolded at the Payatas dumpsite in Quezon City, where the lifeless body of a teenage boy was discovered. This grim find served as a chilling reminder of the senseless violence plaguing the city. To tackle this disturbing case, Father Augusto “Gus” Saenz, a Jesuit priest and forensic investigator, received a summons from Francisco Lastimosa, the NBI deputy director, to delve into a murder spree that had left devastation in its wake. Joining him in this mission was Father Jerome Lucero, another dedicated Jesuit priest, who brought his valuable insights and expertise to the unfolding investigation.

As they embarked on their search for answers, a disturbing pattern emerged: the murders appeared to occur primarily on Saturdays, and the victims had been subjected to horrific mutilations, done with surgical precision as though by a skilled hand. The priests journeyed across the city, traversing from the sterile confines of the NBI to the shadowy underbelly of its streets, piecing together clues that painted a terrifying picture of what was happening.

The investigation took a dramatic turn when Cardinal Rafael Meneses and Deputy Director Lastimosa found themselves in a precarious situation during a gripping television talk show, where they danced around probing questions, their tension palpable. Just when the atmosphere grew most heated, Deputy Director Lastimosa unexpectedly collapsed, leading to his hospitalization and paving the way for Deputy Director Mapa to step in.

Amidst their pursuit of justice, Gus and Jerome began to doubt the legitimacy of the arrest of Carding, a local parish worker branded as the primary suspect. Sensing that something was amiss, they embarked on a quest for deeper truths by speaking to those close to Carding, including Rommel, a loyal associate who might shed light on the situation.

Their investigation led them to the Cultural Center of the Philippines, where an opera performance would become a pivotal moment. Here, they encountered Cardinal Meneses and Mrs. Urrutia, the head of a children’s charity. An intense exchange took place between Gus and the Cardinal, which left ripples of tension in its wake. Although they left hastily, whispers about Monsignor Ramirez — a priest with a shady reputation — caught their attention.

Seeking clarity, Gus and Jerome visited a bar where they fortuitously met Joanna, who offered significant revelations concerning Hon. Mariano, the councilor associated with a mobile health clinic that could provide vital clues about the victims. Still, the dark string of murders showed no signs of abating despite Carding’s arrest.

In a restless environment, Deputy Director Lastimosa expressed discontent over the faltering investigation, directing his frustration towards Deputy Director Mapa and Atty. Arcinas for their missteps. Undeterred, Gus and Jerome turned their focus to Hon. Mariano’s mobile health clinic, where they hoped to unearth critical information that would lead them to Dr. Alejandro “Alex” Carlos, a local with connections to UP Manila who rapidly became a key suspect in their inquiries.

As the investigation advanced, Gus and Jerome found themselves grappling with Alex’s volatile behavior, highlighted when he recklessly burst into the health clinic, stealing medical supplies from Dr. Gino during a prior interview. As Alex’s inner demons spiraled, he made a desperate attempt on the life of a student returning home, a move that ended catastrophically for him when the bystanders retaliated against his aggression. Engulfed by guilt, Alex resorted to a self-destructive act, taking Rommel’s life before secluding himself in a nearby structure where he engaged in self-harm.

Meanwhile, Gus and his investigative team were in relentless pursuit of Alex, tracking him down to the very building where he hid. It was here that Gus cornered him, but found Alex in a tragic state — having inflicted multiple stab wounds upon himself. When Gus extended a gesture of compassion, offering a prayer, Alex exploited the moment by attacking Gus with a knife before fleeing.

In the chaotic aftermath, Gus recovered from his physical injuries, while Alex’s tragic end came at Payatas, his body revealing the scars of his internal struggles. Just as Gus began to heal both physically and emotionally, a surprise visitor named Guillermo “Emong” Ricafrente appeared, unveiling the haunting truths of their shared past, including grievous trauma inflicted by their PE teacher, with Alex suffering the most severe consequences.

Adding to the pressures, Deputy Director Lastimosa confronted Mrs. Urrutia in an effort to expose the startling reality that Msgr. Ramirez had been misappropriating charity funds for personal use. Meanwhile, Joanna directed her focus to a new case involving the enigmatic Solano, a twist that would send shockwaves through the entire ongoing investigation.