PNP: No politics in appointment of Davao police chief

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police yesterday dispelled suspicions that politics is behind the PNP reorganization in Davao City.

Col. Jean Fajardo, PNP public information officer, said there is no other reason for the designation of Col. Hansel Marantan as acting Davao City police chief other than that he is qualified for the post.

“Some of you know the caliber of Colonel Marantan. He is more than qualified to be designated as the acting city director of the Davao City Police Office,” Fajardo said yesterday in a news briefing at Camp Crame.

Fajardo said there was nothing unusual in the designation of three officers on the same day as Davao police chief, stressing it also happens in other PNP units, as she advised the public not to link the situation to political issues.

Davao City is the bailiwick of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose family had a falling out with President Marcos, their ally during the 2022 elections.

Marantan was assigned at the Area Police Command in Southern Luzon before he received instructions from higher headquarters to take over as Davao City’s police chief.

Col. Lito Patay, Davao police’s officer-in-charge, was also presiding over a command conference when he was informed that he was relieved and replaced by Col. Sherwin Butil, who was also about to take his seat when informed of Marantan’s appointment.