Davao City police officers receive stern spiritual reprimand from Colonel Marantan

Marantan delivered a lecture on spirituality to the members of the Davao City Police Office.-Contributed photo

DAVAO CITY – The usual solemnity of the Friday morning Mass at the Camp Domingo Leonor chapel was followed by a stirring sermon from City Police Director Colonel Hansel Marantan, who took the opportunity to address his subordinates with a mix of disappointment and fervor.

The Mass was officiated by PNP XI Regional Chaplain PLtCol. Randell Cinches concluded on a reflective note.

After Fr. Cinches officially ended the Mass, Colonel Marantan rose and took the lower podium to deliver a message to the officers in attendance. Despite the tranquil setting, his demeanor was strikingly intense, and a commanding voice reverberated through the sparsely populated chapel.

Designed to hold 60 people, the chapel appeared far from full—a stark contrast to the overflowing crowds anticipated for such a sacred gathering. Expressing his dismay, Marantan addressed the absent personnel, particularly highlighting the low turnout of Catholic officers.

“I expected this chapel to be filled with PNP personnel,” Marantan said in Tagalog. “It should be overflowing because this is a feast with the Lord. But look at this. What happened to your faith? I can understand the absence of our non-Catholic and Muslim personnel, but this turnout is very surprising to me.”

Marantan drew a sharp comparison, recalling the full attendance during their Christmas party announcement when a P100,000 raffle prize was at stake. “When I announced that P100,000 would be raffled, everyone from the farthest areas of this command came,” he reportedly said as his officers listened with bowed heads.

The city police has more than 2,000 personnel.

Drawing from his own spiritual background as an altar boy and seminarian, Marantan urged his team to reflect deeply on their commitment to faith and its role in their profession. He reminded them of the spiritual importance of their service, encouraging a steadfast connection to their beliefs.

Friday’s Gospel was taken from Luke 5:12-16

The Colonel’s words left a profound impact, fostering a sense of introspection among those present. Many officers appeared humbled by the reminder of the intersection between their duties and spiritual lives.

As a result, Marantan ordered 172 police officers to explain within 24 hours “why no disciplinary action shall be meted against them for not attending the “Blue Mass’.

Colonel Marantan’s unique combination of religious training and law enforcement experience provided a compelling perspective, reinforcing the importance of faith in the Philippine National Police community.