DAVAO CITY — Acting City Police Director Colonel Hansel Marantan debunked speculations that his assignment in Davao is politically motivated during a Thursday press conference, emphasizing his long record of pursuing criminals.
Marantan firmly stated “Hindi ako mapupolitika Kailan man at hindi ako tao ng kung sinu-sino, na masama ang hangarin, ako ay tao ng mamamayang Pilipino. Kasi kung kaya akong utusan ng sinuman na gustong gumawa ng masama sa Davao at sinunod ko sila, hindi lang ito ang mangyari sa Davao, I am an expert. I am a bomber kung yan lang naman din ang pag usapan but I’m here to protect the Davao people.”
(I will never be a cowed politician and I am not someone’s person with bad intentions; I am a person of the Filipino people. Because if someone who wants to do bad things in Davao can order me and I obey them, this will not only happen in Davao, I am an expert. I am a bomber if that is all we are talking about but I’m here to protect the Davao people.)
Marantan dismissed allegations linking him to political maneuvering or to the Marcos administration.
Marantan has an extensive and bloody record in tracking down bank robbers, gun runners, and other criminals—a record that has earned him both respect and notoriety in law enforcement circles.
Although his role in the arrest and surrender of Apollo Quiboloy was not widely reported, top brass in the Philippine National Police and his intelligence community colleagues have recognized his deep intelligence network and operational prowess.
During the press briefing, Marantan also disclosed new developments in ongoing operations. He revealed that the suspect involved in a series of robberies at LBC branches nationwide is a member of the Tolentino criminal gang.
According to him, the gang comprises key figures including leader Marvin “Tata” Beronguis; alias Ramul and Takyo, the group’s financiers; Jimmy “Jerome” Calo, the getaway driver; Jade Lasula Dadang; alias Rodolfo; alias Jack; and several unidentified members.
However, conflicting accounts have emerged. Bulawan, a known robber frequently seen in various detention facilities, refuted some of these claims. He contended that the Tolentino gang operates solely in Parañaque and that he was hired by Beronguis for the specific robbery, noting that although he had heard of 17 syndicate members being killed, he was not aware of Marantan’s direct involvement in the operations.
In a telling testimony to Newsline, former Valle Verde Gang leader alias Jayjay stated, “naubos ang Valle Verde Boys dahil kay Marantan, patay lahat, five seconds lang ang naiwan sa buhay kop, I am thankful hindi ako nakapunta. Hiram ko kay Marantan ang Buhay ko”
(The Valle Verde Boys were wiped out because of Marantan-led operations, all dead, only five seconds of my life was left. I am thankful I wasn’t there. I borrowed my life from Marantan.)
By underscoring his proven track record in the relentless pursuit of criminals, Marantan sought to reassure the public that his presence in Davao is solely dedicated to maintaining peace and order, not to serve any political agenda.
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.
