TAGAYTAY, Philippines (November 25) — The rain never stopped inside the Philippine National Police Academy, as if the sky itself was holding its breath. Cadets in white uniforms moved across the compound in their rain gear, their quiet steps filled with anticipation.
Soft whispers spread among them, some speaking of Police Brigadier General Hansel M. Marantan as the controversial officer who once faced imprisonment for following orders, others recalling that he was known for bravery and intelligence despite carrying physical wounds, including a damaged ear and injuries from past operations. But their tone was not questioning—it was reverent. For the man returning was no longer defined by controversy, but by survival.
Whispers among cadets inside the academy were audible “darating daw si General marantan, yung kontrobersyal at nakulong dahil sumunod sa order at may namatay (“General Marantan, the controversial one who was imprisoned for obeying orders but there were casualties, is coming) ,” says one of the cadet.
“OO narinig ko nga pero, matapang daw talaga yan at matalino sa intel, magaling daw Talaga, pero napilay at nasira nga ang kanyang tenga, (“Yes, I heard, but he is really brave and intelligent in intel, he is really good, but his left leg was broken and his right is impaired,)” says her companion while walking along the vicinity, preparing for the arrival of the controversial but bemedalled Police Brigadier General Marantan. ’ says her companion while walking along the vicinity,
At exactly 5:15 p.m., Marantan, a proud graduate of PNPA Kabalikat Class ’98, entered the grounds to receive arrival honors. The downpour continued, yet the warmth in every salute, the silent respect in the cadets’ posture, and the outpouring of support spoke louder than the weather.
His homecoming was marked not by the star on his shoulder, but by a resilience forged through defeat, struggle, and the long road to redemption. Cadets gathered to watch Sa Likod ng Tsapa (Beneath the Badge), the documentary that lays bare his battles, controversies, imprisonment, injuries, and the painful process of rebuilding a life and career scarred by the past.
One cadet shared that the film revealed the real side of being in the service: the challenges, temptations, difficult decisions, and sacrifices that come with the badge.They saw themselves in the story, the pressure, the responsibility, and the reminder that integrity and humility will define their future, because the badge is not just a button, but a legacy.
A cadet said “Mahirap syang tularan, ang galing at napakabait pala (It is so hard to emulate him, he is great and is a very nice person)”
In his message, Marantan urged the cadets to stay true to the virtues the academy teaches, reminding them never to give orders they themselves cannot carry out, because doing so destroys not only a subordinate but also a family.
