The relief of Police Colonel Hansel Marantan as head of the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-National Capital Region (CIDG-NCR) might’ve been the result of feathers he reportedly ruffled by leading the raid on homes owned by embattled Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr.
Earlier this month, it was reported that Marantan was relieved from his post over the involvement of 12 CIDG-NCR officers in an alleged robbery and extortion attempt on Chinese businessmen in Parañaque City.
The news came as a surprise as Marantan just received the PNP Medal of Valor (Medalya ng Kagitingan) from Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla for implementing the search warrant on Teves’ residences in Negros Oriental days after he was tagged in the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.
Poli Master learned that Marantan’s raid, which was ordered by Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, reportedly riled up Teves’ protectors in the PNP.
“Cong. Arnie has many protectors in the PNP, and they knew that Marantan is like a pit-bull when he puts his mind into something,” an Iskooper told Poli Master. “The allegation that his men were involved in a robbery extortion attempt was like manna from heaven for those who wanted to throw him off course.”
Pressed on who stands to benefit from Marantan’s relief, the Iskooper told Poli Master: “The conclusions are easy to draw. Look at which high ranking officer has gone out of his way to publicize this case. That official leaked the issue to the media even if the Chinese businessmen allegedly targeted by the raid didn’t file a complaint.”
Based on reports, 12 CIDG-NCR officers raided a Chinese national’s home on March 13 due to alleged complaints by neighbors about noise. The businessman and his colleagues were also accused of illegal gambling.
The CIDG-NCR officers who took part in the raid were accused of confiscating jewelry during the operation, including a Patek Philippe and a Richard Mille watch, a Louis Vuitton bag and a vault with P3-million cash.
Poli Master, however, learned that the 13 Chinese nationals who were arrested during the raid didn’t file any complaint against the CIDG-NCR operatives, contrary to reports. They also executed a sworn affidavit disputing allegations that a robbery and extortion incident took place.
“The undersigned were immediately released from detention, and no extortion attempt took place… Aside from the pieces of evidence they have recovered during their operation, the CIDG-NCR (also) never took money or any personal belongings from the undersigned,” the affidavit read.
The Chinese businessmen were reportedly advised by a ranking PNP official to file a complaint against the CIDG-NCR officers involved in the raid but they vehemently refused.
The Iskooper said Teves’ rumored protectors in the PNP saw the raid on the Chinese national’s residence as the perfect opportunity to get their comeuppance at Marantan in the guise of cleaning up” the police force’s rank.
