Mayors’ league fetes Davao City police chief
HE may not be Davao City Mayor Sebastian ‘Baste’ Duterte’s own pick to head the city police but this early, all municipal mayors in the country have cited Colonel Hansel Marantan for his outstanding contribution to the Philippine National Police’s effort to stem criminality and solve crimes.
During their recent convention, the League of Municipalities of the Philippines or LMP headed by La Paz, Abra Mayor JB Bernos officially recognized Marantan of PNP Academy ‘Kabalikat’ Class of 1998 for his’ dedication, exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and order in our communities.’
“His efforts in fostering a safe and secure environment align with the League of Municipalities of the Philippines’ mandate of promoting good governance, transparency, and peace and order across the Philippines,” the LMP said adding they are really ‘grateful to Col. Marantan for his invaluable support and commendable performance’ as a police officer.
I learned that the award was given during the LMP’s Mindanao Island Cluster Conference 2024 held in Cebu City last week. The LMP event had the theme ‘Sustainable Development: Creating Smart Communities Through Localization of the SDGs by Municipal Governments.’ SDG refers to Sustainable Development Goals by the municipal mayors nationwide.
I have heard that Marantan has been given a chance by Mayor Baste Duterte to prove his worth in ensuring to keep peace and security in the city. Col. Marantan has also appealed to Davao City residents to give him more time before judging his performance particularly in the fight against all forms of criminality and terror in the city.
Last year, Col. Marantan made it clear that there are three priorities in his mind that he thinks need immediate attention and intervention. These are the proliferation of drugs, Private Armed groups, drugs and terrorism and drugs and cybercrime
Already in the service for more than 27 years, the fighting Marantan who has 52 metal screws, 4 bone plates, a knee replacement, an impaired left ear and 3 spine operations, all gotten from armed encounters, knows what he speaks of.
The man has always been calling on his fellows to defend their men, whether big or small, and stand by their side come hell or shine. “His exact words: “Kung hindi natin madepensahan ang mga tao natin big or small, or stand by their side come hell or shine that in conscience we did what we thought to be the right thing to do in that particular place and time, then we are doing irreparable damage to our men and to their families.”
I remember that when he spoke during an LMP gathering, he already had in his mind what PNP chief, General Rommel Marbil has been saying long before: the need for his men to bring back the dignity of their uniform by first and foremost, not doing chores for others like holding umbrellas for VIPS or driving for them.
“Mga minamahal kong local chief executives, mga Mayors, like us you are also the first bastion of defense ng karamihan sa ating kapulisan, you are an essential part of its fortification para ang pulis natin ay hindi maging miyembro ng PAGs or other forms of criminality,” he said.
“Hindi sila pwedeng maging mere security drivers, alalay or what, and most they cannot be your goons. They are more than that. At kapag nangyari yan sila ay magiging goons na forever. Imagine at the age of 30 and they became goons right away by incorrigible politicians, they will be goons for the next 26 years until their retirement.”
“Walang gagawin mga yan kundi i-short cut ang criminal justice system.There will be no more investigation, filing of cases, courts, correction, and community. Wala na. Kasi hindi na yan ang alam niyang solution kundi iba –assassinations , gun for hire, all short cuts,” he added.” Those are the words from the Davao City police chief.
