Marantan, lead cop in 2013 Atimonan ‘rubout’ case, ordered reinstated

Superintendent Hansel Marantan, a policeman implicated in the 2013 rubout case in Atimonan, Quezon, will be back in service after the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) appellate board approved his plea.

“Nag-appeal siya sa national appellate board. His appeal was granted so we have no other choice kundi mag-issue ng order for his reinstatement,” Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa said Thursday.

Marantan was dismissed from service in 2014 in connection with the alleged rubout. 

Marantan and 12 other police officers were found guilty of serious irregularity in the performance of duty, according to a March 5, 2014 decision signed by then-PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima.

Twelve people, including environmentalist Jun Lontok, were killed in what the respondents claimed was a legitimate operation against criminal elements but was later ruled by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) as a rubout.

Dela Rosa said he does not know yet where Marantan, who was wounded in the incident, will be assigned.

“Hindi ko pa alam, wala pa siyang unit. Ewan ko kung napirmahan ko na yung reinstatement niya. Hindi ko pa alam kung saan siya na-assign,” he said.

He said all he knew was that Marantan went through the process.

“Basta dumaan siya sa proseso, na-grant yung kanyang appeal via the national appellate board so anong magagawa namin? We have to issue appropriate order,” Dela Rosa said.

PNP Highway Police Group director Chief Superintendent Arnel Escobal said he received information that Marantan will be assigned in his office. However, he has yet to receive any formal order on the matter.

In March 2013, Marantan and 10 other accused in the Atimonan incident were released from the Philippine National Police Custodial Center after a Manila court granted their bail petition.

The police officers were facing murder charges. —KBK, GMA News