MANILA, Philippines (Jun 2026) — Tanggol has left the country, and Africa is watching.
“FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” the ABS-CBN action-drama that held the title of the most-watched primetime series in the Philippines from 2023 to 2026, is now available in 41 countries across Africa. Book four of the series airs internationally under the title “Gangs of Manila” via the StarTimes channel, with versions in English, Portuguese, and French.
The show’s reach on that continent isn’t just broadcast-deep. Clips from the Africa-facing episodes are generating strong reactions on StarTimes’ Facebook and TikTok pages, suggesting the fanbase is building organically beyond the traditional TV audience.
What happens in Book 4
The final chapter follows Tanggol, portrayed by Coco Martin, as he attempts to restore order in the city in his role as its rightful mayor. It’s the conclusion of a run that ended with major recognition at the first Philippine Arts, Film, and Television Awards (PAFTA), where the series took home Best Drama Series, Best Drama Actor for Coco, and Best Breakthrough Performance for Maris Racal.
What’s next for Coco
The Africa expansion arrives as Coco prepares for his next primetime chapter. He stars alongside Julia Montes in the upcoming action-romance series “Coco Martin’s Sigabo,” which is expected to take his earlier primetime slot.
ABS-CBN has sold more than 50,000 hours of content to over 50 countries worldwide, with “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” now among its highest-profile international titles.
