- DCPO chief cracks down on rape, threatens to sack station commanders
ACTING Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Col. Hansen Marantan warned all 19 station commanders to address rape cases in their areas of responsibility or be removed from their positions.
During the Monday morning flag-raising ceremony at Camp Capt. Leonor Domingo, Marantan expressed concern over the 41 rape cases recorded from January to May, calling it an unacceptable figure.
He warned, “We can’t have 42 cases tomorrow, 50 cases next week. That shouldn’t be. Otherwise, I will sack them.”
While acknowledging other crimes like theft and robbery as “tolerable,” he stressed that rape cases demand immediate intervention.
“Nakita ko yung (I saw the) crimes committed and the focus crimes committed every day. I should say that it’s petty crimes, thefts, robbery, and all that walang masyadong malalaking crimes (others no big crimes),” he added.
According to the DCPO data, Davao City experienced a significant decrease in rape incidents during the first five months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, according to data released by the Davao City Police Office (DCPO).
From January 1 to May 31, 2024, there were a total of 41 reported rape cases, a 34% decrease from the 62 cases recorded in the same time frame in 2023.
Marantan shared a personal anecdote about his first case as a lieutenant, where he neutralized a rape offender, leading to a murder charge against him. He expressed his deep aversion to such crimes and urged commanders to take them seriously, even offering to personally intervene if necessary.
“Ang na observe ko ang taas ng (what I have observed a high number of )rape cases. If I may count it 41 cases from January to date,” he said.
“Nakita ko yung iba (I saw others) six, five rape cases [recorded in some police stations] that’s alarming and it’s a case that you cannot even find sympathy okay lang sana kung (it would be okay if) murder you can find reason, homicide may mga reason yan bakit nag murder nag homicide (there is a reason why people commit murder, homicide). But rape, you cannot find sympathy for the people talagang didretso kana sa impyerno (you’ll go directly to hell),” he added.
Marantan emphasized that the existing security measures are sufficient, and what’s needed is a more aggressive approach from the police.
The DCPO has six crime prevention programs, particularly Oplan kilos: Educational Outreach, to reduce rape cases and encourage timely reporting.
He urged officers to intensify information campaigns and take proactive measures to prevent further incidents.
Despite Davao City’s reputation for peacefulness, Marantan highlighted the need for continued vigilance and action.
He acknowledged that many rape cases go unreported due to fear and shame, and emphasized the police’s role in providing support and justice to victims.
He emphasized the devastating impact of rape on victims and their families, stressing that it is an unforgivable and irreparable offense. “We are the pain relievers,” he said, referring to law enforcement’s role in providing immediate relief and justice to victims.
Marantan concluded his message by reiterating his call for action against rape cases, stating that if the rising trend continues, he fears a day may come when a rape victim knocks on the doors of the officers’ own families.
Rape cases down
The decrease in rape cases was evident across most police stations in the city, with the majority reporting fewer cases in 2024.
The most notable declines were observed in:
PS1 (Sta.Ana police): Dropped from 10 cases in 2023 to 3 in 2024.
PS10 (Calinan): Decreased from 7 cases in 2023 to 1 in 2024.
PS17 (Baliok): Fell from 11 cases in 2023 to 1 in 2024
While most stations saw a decline, a few experienced a slight increase in reported rape cases. However, the overall trend indicates a positive shift in the city’s efforts to combat this crime.
Authorities attribute this decrease to heightened police visibility, strengthened community partnerships, and proactive measures to address gender-based violence.
The continuous efforts of law enforcement agencies and advocacy groups to raise awareness and provide support to victims have also contributed to this encouraging development.
While the decline in rape incidents is a positive step, authorities remain vigilant and committed to further reducing these numbers and ensuring the safety and security of all residents in Davao City.
Photo: Bing Gonzales
