MANILA (June 23) — After 13 years of trial, Police Colonel Hansel Marantan and 11 co-accused have been cleared of all charges in connection with the deadly Atimonan shootout.
In a decision handed down on Monday, the court cited insufficient evidence to convict the officers over the 2013 incident that sparked national debate on police operations and alleged rubouts.
Marantan in an interview with Newsline Philippines said “The feeling is redemption and vindication, I am vindicated and I am relieved.”
The Atimonan shootout caused the death of 13 individuals led by Vic Siman.
The incident also brought 13 police officers to jail for almost five years.
“After the gavel banged, the thought of my parents came into my mind hinintay nila ang araw na ito,” an emotional Marantan added.
Edith Z Caduaya studied Bachelor of Science in Development Communication at the University of Southern Mindanao.
The chairperson of Mindanao Independent Press Council (MIPC) Inc.
