Marantan to LGUs: Police Are Professionals, Not Drivers or Private Armed Groups

LUCENA CITY (April 17) — Police Brigadier General Hansel M. Marantan has raised alarm over what he described as the continued misuse of members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) by some local chief executives, warning that such practices erode professionalism and fuel the emergence of private armed groups (PAGs).

Speaking before local officials, Marantan said police officers, many of whom are licensed professionals, are being reduced to personal staff.

“Some of them are lawyers, nurses, chemists, and medical technologists — in other words, they are board passers. They passed the NAPOLCOM. They are professionals, and that is why they were accepted into the police force,” he said.

Despite this, Marantan disclosed that certain local officials continue to assign police personnel as drivers and aides, a practice he said undermines both morale and institutional integrity.

“We have observed that some mayors and not limited to mayors, are assigning police officers not only as members of security forces but also as drivers and personal aides,” he said.

Addressing local executives directly, he added: “Mga minamahal kong chief executives, ang pulis natin ay hindi alalay. Hindi sila drivers lamang. They are more than that.”

Beyond administrative misuse, Marantan pointed to a more serious concern, the alleged co-opting of police officers into private armed groups driven by political interests.

“In some areas, our police have become part of private armed groups. Incorrigible politicians made them so,” he said. “They exploit the vulnerabilities of our policemen, money and power, and short-cut the criminal justice system.”

The general warned that early exposure to such practices could have lasting consequences within the police ranks.

“When a young police officer is influenced early, he may spend decades in that system. They become monsters in our ranks,” he said.

Marantan’s remarks come amid long-standing concerns over the use of state security forces for political ends, particularly in local power structures where enforcement authority can be blurred with personal loyalty.

Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Juan Victor Remulla publicly vouched for Marantan’s integrity, citing his track record in high-stakes anti-smuggling operations.

“Ang pinakamakisig na naging regional director ng Region 4A,” Remulla said, adding, “Iba ang tatak ni Marantan — marinig lang ang pangalan, takot na ang lahat. I will vouch for him. He is a no-nonsense officer.”

Remulla revealed that Marantan had turned down bribes reaching as much as ₱500 million in operations involving nearly ₱10 billion worth of smuggled goods.

“He reports every detail of the operations. That is the kind of officer he is,” the Interior chief said.

Despite strong local backing, including a resolution from Quezon mayors urging Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. to extend his tour of duty, Marantan indicated his time in service is nearing its end.

“I am both happy and sad,” he said. “Happy because I was able to serve you well. But I am sad to tell you, my kababayan, I will be going home soon. I only have 86 days left to serve the PNP.”

His statement emphasizes both the gains and the unresolved tensions within the police force, as questions persist over political influence, accountability, and the true independence of law enforcement on the ground.-Editha Z Caduaya