Acting Davao City Police Office (DCPO) chief, Col. Hansel Marantan, has assured that the city will remain peaceful and ready against any threat of terrorism.

Marantan said Mayor Sebastian Duterte told him to focus on counterterrorism initiatives when he paid a courtesy call on the city’s local chief executive on July 24, 2024.

Marantan said Duterte also wanted him to ensure public safety and security during the Kadayawan Festival.

“Ang pina-prepare natin dito ay ang mga tsamba kasi sabi niya there were instances of terrorist act here in Davao and we are prepared for that,” Marantan said.

Duterte said during his program “Basta Dabawenyo” that the new acting city police chief should maintain the status quo in the city.

“Ang akoa lang i-maintain niya ang status quo labi na karon pasulod na ang Kadayawan ang mobilization ana sa mga tropa medyo dako dako daghan og bantayanan,” Duterte said.

Duterte reportedly said he will give Marantan a chance even if he was not consulted about the DCPO leadership. However, Duterte is still skeptical if Marantan will listen or follow his directives.

It can be recalled that the chief of DCPO was replaced three times in one day on July 10, 2024. It was Marantan who was designated by PNP Chief Police General Rommel Fransisco Marbil to lead the DCPO.

“Bisag unsa pa ang ingnon nako I don't think it would matter sa gihatag nila nga sitwasyon sa akoa kay tungod wa ko man na gipili si Marantan, he's not in the shortlist. Like I said I told Marantan ablihan nako akong pultahan para niya kay wala pa man siyay nahimo pa,” Duterte said.