BOTH Davao City Police Office director Col Hansel Marantan and Police Regional Office XI director Brig Gen Nicolas Torre have questionable pasts, so Mayor Sebastian Duterte said he wouldn’t surprised by any “extraordinary movements” due to their appointments.
The mayor also expressed confusion about the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) process in appointing new police officials in Davao City.
He questioned why he was not consulted or informed about the changes, despite being the local executive and representative of the people.
“I don’t understand their process or what they’re doing. They should be the ones we ask why they’re doing this because supposedly, the mayor should appoint the city director, and they should provide the shortlist,” he said.
He further revealed that the newly appointed acting city director, Col. Hansel Marantan, and Police Regional Office XI director, Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre, both have controversial pasts. He expressed concern over potential “extraordinary movements” in the city due to their appointments.
“Let’s observe them. If anything happens here, they are the ones who arranged it all. And if there are dangerous incidents here, we will only ask them again,” he added.
He stated that he was aware of Col. Lito Patay’s replacement but was not informed about the reason behind the immediate change.
The mayor revealed that he had recommended Col. Patay but was not consulted about his replacement or the appointment of Col. Sherwin Butil, whose name he had seen on a shortlist. He also claimed to be unfamiliar with Col. Hansel Marantan, who is set to replace Col. Patay.
Mayor Duterte questioned the PNP’s process, stating that the mayor should ideally be involved in appointing the city director and provided with a shortlist of candidates.
He expressed his lack of understanding regarding the PNP’s actions and suggested they should be asked for clarification.
When questioned about the timing of Paulene Canada’s arrest, a co-accused of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, he said, “They are still humans, but I don’t trust Torre and Marantan because they are controversial.”
He criticized the PNP for sending controversial figures to Davao City instead of their best officers with proven track records. “If Marbil sees that you send the best, these [people] have issues, send your best [police officers with good] track record that work seriously, but what’s in that now, is ridiculous,” he said.
To the incoming city police director, Duterte said, “If they’re good at asking, I will answer them. But if they don’t consult me, there’s nothing I can do.”
Moreover, the mayor maintains support for the police force amid leadership changes. The mayor encouraged the police force to remain dedicated to their duties and continue serving and protecting the people of Davao City with integrity.
