“Let us be part of the solution and not the problem anymore.” Col. Hansel Marantan
DAVAO CITY — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) to locate lawyer Harry Roque and police officer Arthur Narsolis, both of whom have outstanding arrest warrants issued by the House of Representatives for failing to attend scheduled hearings.
During a flag-raising ceremony on Monday, Acting Director Colonel Hansel Marantan addressed his officers, referring to them as “My Friends.”
In a speech lasting 3 minutes and 38 seconds, Marantan highlighted pressing issues facing the PNP, including the assassination of General Wesley Barayuga, ongoing extrajudicial killings (EJKs), and the case of Alice Guo. Marantan noted, “The PNP is frequently in the spotlight during inquiries in both the House and the Senate.”
With visible concern, Marantan expressed, “We must acknowledge that we are part of the organization. We share some responsibility, willingly or unwillingly, for allowing these issues to arise. It is unproductive to point fingers. Instead of claiming we are ‘good people,’ we must pray for our commanders and the organization as a whole.”
Marantan emphasized the urgency of the manhunt, stating, “Unfortunately, the individuals we are searching for are here in Davao City. I urge everyone to be part of the solution and not the problem.”
He mentioned receiving numerous calls from Metro Manila regarding the search for Roque, Narsolis, and others involved in ongoing investigations.
Historically, misconduct within the PNP has often implicated high-ranking officials in serious controversies, including killings and drug trafficking.
The Barayuga case has drawn renewed scrutiny, especially following the sworn statement of Police Lt. Col. Santi Mendoza, who implicated National Police Commission Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo and retired police Colonel Royina Garma—formerly chairperson of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office as masterminds behind Barayuga’s killing.
Barayuga was assassinated on July 30, 2020, with Mendoza reportedly receiving P300,000 for the operation.
Both Garma and Narsolis have been mentioned in investigations related to the deaths of three Chinese nationals at the Davao Prison and Penal Farm in 2016.
Narsolis has been issued an arrest warrant for repeatedly failing to attend hearings, while Roque faces a similar warrant for not complying with subsequent invitations.
Reports suggest that Roque may be hiding in Davao City, while Narsolis is a resident of Davao City.
In closing, Marantan urged his team to take proactive measures, reiterating, “Let us be part of the solution and not the problem anymore.”
About Editha Z. Caduaya
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.
