Report on transfer of 238 Davao Police fake news – Marantan

DAVAO CITY – City Police Director Colonel Hansel Marantan dismissed a local news report claiming that 238 police officers from the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) were being sent to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

On Monday, February 17, a local news agency reported: “BREAKING: Two hundred thirty-eight police personnel from the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) is subject for medical examination if fit for deployment for National and Local Elections and BARMM Parliamentary elections.

Based on the memo obtained by TIMES, Of the 238, six were Lieutenant Colonels, six Majors, seven Captains, and 12 Lieutenants will be deployed in connection to the 2025 National and Local Elections. The Davao City Police Office confirmed to TIMES on Monday afternoon.”

However, in an interview with Newsline Philippines, Marantan refuted the claim, saying, “Wala akong na-receive na memo, and in fact, we need clearances from the Comelec (Commission on Elections). We are under Comelec control ngayon. So, I think it is fake news and an irresponsible document.”

In a statement posted on social media, the DCPO stated,”To prevent any misunderstanding, we emphasize that the 238 police personnel mentioned in the article are scheduled to undergo medical examinations on February 19, 2025, as part of DCPO’s routine wellness and health program. This initiative is a standard and regular procedure aimed at ensuring that all officers are in optimal health and fully capable of performing their duties.”

The news agency also corrected its report.