In a room filled with fellow law enforcers, friends, and members of the media, the public got a closer look into the life of one of the country’s most controversial and resilient police officials. The successful book launch of Beneath the Badge tells the chaotic yet triumphant and deeply human journey of Police Brigadier General Hansel M. Marantan, a story defined by truth, betrayal, and ultimate redemption.
The memoir, which promises to unmask the realities of a life spent on the frontlines of law enforcement, came to fruition because of one person. During his opening speech, PBGen Marantan acknowledged the person behind the project:
“Alam ninyo, nangyari lahat ng ito because of one mind: no further introduction, the name is a certain Editha Zaragosa Caduaya.”
Marantan’s time in the service has been anything but quiet. Addressing the elephant in the room, he spoke candidly about the grim realities of policing and the controversies that have followed him throughout his career.
“Ang message ko ay very simple,” Marantan told the audience. “I have always been a proponent of peace, but in the pursuit of it, sometimes it’s bloody, sometimes it’s full of controversies. Truth is a thing that we have to defend. We have to defend it with our life and honor. Kung hindi, wala nang maniniwala sa atin as law enforcers.”
He also pushed back against his public persona as a fearless, hardline commander. “Sabi nila matapang ako, hindi ako matapang, but I can only be brave when I have to be.”
Reading a brief excerpt from the book, the general clarified that the memoir isn’t meant to be a vanity project.
“The book, Beneath The Badge, is more than a story, it can be a legacy of courage and honor, and unwavering service to our fellow men. It’s not about me, it’s about us. I’m just one of the representations of the unsung heroes of the police force na hindi madipensahan ang state, and we keep on thriving… It carries wisdom of life in protecting our people and upholding what is right and what is just.”
Marantan added that the author literally “burned candles” and poured immense time into the memoir so that future generations would understand the heavy sacrifices made to protect regular, law-abiding citizens.
The story continues
The launch took an interesting turn during the Q&A session, as reporters immediately brought up the recent move by DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla to request a one-year service extension for Marantan as Calabarzon police chief.
Given that his life story is now out in print, the media asked if this meant his chapter in the PNP was still unwritten.
“Yes. My answer is yes,” Marantan confirmed, though he quickly played down further details. “Sana hindi na ko sasagot baka mamaya there might be other developments. It was a surprise po sa akin kaya ‘di pa nag-sisink-in yung extension po sa akin. Kaya paumanhin kung hindi pa ako makapag-comment sa ngayon when it comes to the extension.”
When asked about the biggest challenge of adapting his life into both a book and an upcoming film, Marantan focused on the harsh realities of the job.
“For the future generations to see na the sustenance of peace is expensive,” he explained. “Not necessarily about money and resources, but you have to spend time and sacrifice everything to keep it peaceful as supposed to be.”
A Mother’s Touch
While the book deals heavily with tactical operations and the politics of the uniform, the director of the upcoming movie adaptation shared that the emotional core of the project is surprisingly domestic.
When asked which part of Marantan’s story resonated the most, the director recalled a text message exchange with the general at four in the morning, asking what his mother told him while he was recovering in the hospital after a near-fatal incident.
“Sabi niya, ‘Pagkagising ko ang sabi ng nanay ko, “Hansel, narito ang nanay.”‘ So doon ako na-attach sa story,” the director shared. “That was not just the reaction of a child but a reaction also of a mother. I’m a mother too so nakakarelate ako doon.”
Beneath the Badge doesn’t just offer a closer look at Marantan’s controversial career; it serves as a gritty, unfiltered reminder of what happens to the men and women who wear the uniform long after the smoke clears.
Watch our video coverage from the book launch Q&A session:
Photos and additional transcription by Jeffrey Perdon