Malacañang clears Col. Marantan of administrative charges over Atimonan shootout

DAVAO CITY — After more than eleven years, the Office of the President has dismissed grave misconduct and serious irregularity in the performance of duty charges against Police Colonel Hansel Marantan, now the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) chief, in connection with the controversial Atimonan Shootout in 2013.

In a decision issued on February 5, 2025, and released publicly on February 20, Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, acting under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s authority, ruled that there was insufficient evidence to hold Marantan liable.

This ruling overturns previous administrative decisions issued by former Philippine National Police (PNP) chiefs, including then-PNP Director General Alan Purisima and later Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, both of whom had found Marantan guilty and ordered his dismissal from service.

 “In the end, this Office is duty-bound to clear PCol. Marantan in view of the absence of substantial evidence to hold him liable,” Bersamin stated.

Copies of the Malacañang decision have been forwarded to PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, Interior Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla, and the National Appellate Board (NAB) of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM).

Bersamin cited that:

            “The 05 March 2014 Decision and the 29 September 2014 Resolution in IAS Administrative Case No. IAS-13-010 was issued by the Chief, PNP, and the 20 November 2016 Decision and the 16 December 2017 Resolution in IAS Administrative Case No. IAS-13-077 likewise issued by the Chief, PNP are hereby reversed and set aside. The complaints against Police Colonel Hansel M. Marantan are dismissed for lack of substantial evidence.”

The decision emphasized Marantan’s compliance with proper police procedures, noting that while he was seriously injured during the encounter, the security forces only exercised reasonable force to neutralize an aggressive group that failed to comply with checkpoint orders.

            “This Office must be mindful of the circumstances under which the operation was carried out and that decisions had to be made in real time. It is not an impartial tribunal’s prerogative to require perfection post-facto as operational decisions should not be adjudged purely in hindsight,” Bersamin explained.

Background: The Atimonan Shootout

The case stemmed from the January 6, 2013, Atimonan Shootout in Quezon Province, where 13 individuals, including police officers and suspected armed group members, were killed in what authorities initially described as a legitimate law enforcement operation.

The incident unfolded when a convoy of SUVs carrying suspected illegal gambling and gun-for-hire syndicate members encountered a joint PNP and military checkpoint led by then-Superintendent Hansel Marantan. The security team had received intelligence about an armed group traveling through the area, prompting them to set up a covert law enforcement operation.

According to police reports, the SUV occupants ignored checkpoint warnings, prompting security personnel to signal them to stop. When the convoy allegedly opened fire, police and military personnel retaliated, resulting in the deaths of the suspects.

Marantan, who was at the scene, suffered multiple gunshot wounds—two in his legs and one in his left arm. However, questions were raised regarding the operation’s circumstances, with critics suggesting it was a premeditated ambush rather than a legitimate checkpoint stop.

Investigations, Administrative Charges, and Malacañang’s Ruling

Following the shootout, a series of investigations were conducted, leading to administrative and criminal charges being filed against Marantan and other officers involved.

The PNP’s Internal Affairs Service (IAS) initially found Marantan guilty of serious irregularities in checkpoint procedures, leading to his dismissal in 2014. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) also alleged that the operation may have been a rubout rather than a legitimate shootout.

However, after multiple appeals, Malacañang has now ruled that the operation was in compliance with police protocols, clearing Marantan of all administrative charges.

Key Findings from Malacañang’s Decision

            1.        Compliance with Checkpoint Protocols– Malacañang agreed with the National Appellate Board (NAB) that Marantan substantially followed proper police procedures in setting up the checkpoint and PNP and AFP personnel, along with a military-marked vehicle, were present, establishing the legitimacy of the operation.

            2. Justification for Use of Force– The SUVs disregarded checkpoint warnings, prompting security forces to respond defensively; seven out of the 11 individuals killed tested positive for gunpowder residue, confirming they were armed and had engaged in a gunfight and Police and military personnel exercised reasonable force to neutralize an imminent threat.

            3.        Absence of an “Overarching Plan” to Kill Suspects -The Allegations that the checkpoint was a staged ambush were dismissed due to lack of substantial evidence. and the supposed failure of officers to wear complete police uniforms was justified, as intelligence operatives were deployed on short notice for security reasons.

            4.        Reversal of Previous Dismissal Order– Earlier administrative rulings issued in 2014 and 2016, which led to Marantan’s dismissal, have been overturned. and Malacañang upheld the NAB’s findings that no substantial evidence linked Marantan to misconduct or irregularities.

What’s Next for Marantan?

With Malacañang’s ruling, Marantan has fully regained his standing in the PNP and continues to serve as the chief of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO).

The decision ends a decade-long legal battle surrounding the Atimonan incident, which has remained one of the most controversial law enforcement encounters in Philippine history.

For Marantan, this verdict clears his name after years of legal struggles, reaffirming his return to active duty as a high-ranking officer in the Philippine National Police.