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Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla is seeking a one-year extension for Police Brigadier General Hansel Marantan, who is set to retire on July 10. Marantan, the current Calabarzon regional police chief, is one-star general and will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on July 10.

Remulla sent a letter to the National Police Commission (Napolcom) commissioners asking for Marantan's extension, citing the interest of the service to ensure continuity in the execution of critical and ongoing high-impact operations currently being spearheaded by General Marantan. This request comes after Marantan submitted his documents to the executive secretary's office for approval.

The law, Republic Act No. 6975, or the Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990, provides the framework for the PNP as an organization. Under the law's section 39, cops—both officers and non-officers—are automatically retired once they reach 56. However, the same law makes service extension possible for select officers. “Provided, that, in case of any officer with the rank of police brigadier general, the Commission (Napolcom) may allow his retention in the service for an unextendible period of one (1) year,” says the law.

Remulla explained that all brigadier generals are eligible for service extension. However, he could not confirm if service extension of a one-star general has been done before in the PNP.

In 2013, Marantan was involved in a major controversy in Calabarzon as the head of the checkpoint where 13 people, including suspected jueteng operator Victor Siman, were killed in an alleged shootout in Quezon province. The National Bureau of Investigation said the supposed encounter was based on Marantan's intelligence that Siman and his men were alleged members of private armed groups.

A drama film about Marantan's life story, “Sa Likod ng Tsapa” (Behind the Badge), aired in cinemas last year.

The extension of Marantan's term is now up to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to grant or deny. If approved, this move would be a significant departure from the usual practice of extending the terms of PNP chiefs.

The question remains: is it legal to extend Marantan's PNP service? The law provides for the possibility of service extension for select officers, but the specific circumstances of Marantan's case remain to be seen.

Key Facts

• Rep. Act No. 6975 provides the framework for the PNP as an organization. • Under the law's section 39, cops are automatically retired once they reach 56. • The law allows for service extension for select officers. • Police Brigadier General Hansel Marantan is one-star general and will reach 56 on July 10. • The National Police Commission (Napolcom) may allow retention in the service for one year for brigadier generals. • Marantan was involved in a major controversy in Calabarzon in 2013. • A drama film about Marantan's life story, “Sa Likod ng Tsapa” (Behind the Badge), aired in cinemas last year. • The extension of Marantan's term is now up to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to grant or deny.

Marantan has a long history with the PNP, having served in various positions, including as the head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group office in Metro Manila.

The extension of Marantan's term, if approved, would have significant implications for the PNP and the country as a whole.

The decision on Marantan's term will be a test for President Marcos Jr.'s leadership and his commitment to upholding the law.

The PNP is responsible for maintaining law and order in the country. With Marantan's extension, it is unclear how this will impact the organization and its operations.

Remulla's decision to push for Marantan's extension has raised questions about the motivations behind the move.

The extension of Marantan's term, if approved, would give him an additional year to lead the Calabarzon regional police force.

The impact of Marantan's extension on the PNP and the country remains to be seen.