DAVAO City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte said he has no influence on the selection of the next Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director, citing politics as the reason.
This came after Police Colonel Hansel Marantan formally stepped down as DCPO chief.
In a media interview on Tuesday, June 18, 2025, Duterte said, “That’s impossible, they would never allow it. Kung maalala nyo last year, they changed three city directors in two days without my consultation, and under the law, the city mayor should be allowed to choose kung sino yung city director (That’s impossible. They would never allow it. If you recall, last year, they replaced three city directors in just two days without even consulting me. And under the law, the city mayor should be allowed to choose who the city director will be).”
Despite this legal provision, Duterte said he doubts he will have a say in the replacement, attributing it to political tensions with the current administration of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.
Under Republic Act No. 8551 or the Philippine National Police Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998, city and municipal mayors are empowered to select a police director from a shortlist of five candidates recommended by the regional police director. Section 64 of the law also deputizes mayors as representatives of the National Police Commission in their jurisdictions.
Earlier that day, Marantan made an exit call at the 20th City Council, confirming in a media interview that he requested relief from his post due to serious health concerns. He said he had recommended three potential successors but declined to name them.
Duterte said he has not seen the list and does not expect to have a hand in choosing from the three nominees. He also noted that he wasn’t surprised by Marantan’s decision to step down, linking it to the results of the 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE).
Still, he commended Marantan’s performance, saying he did "okay" and tried to be fair during his tenure. “I wish him well and more power to him,” Duterte added.
Marantan, who was appointed on July 10, 2024, was the fifth DCPO chief since March 2024. His appointment came during a period of unstable leadership. On the day of his resignation, three officers held the DCPO post within hours. PCol. Lito Patay was initially installed but removed after a command conference. PCol. Sherwin Butil replaced him but was relieved three hours later. Marantan, who came from the National Capital Region, was then appointed by PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil.
The DCPO also saw major personnel changes under Marantan’s watch. On May 22, 2024, 35 officers, including former chief Col. Richard Badang, were relieved by order of Police Brig. Gen. Aligre Martinez. RGP