Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla has urged the National Police Commission (Napolcom) to approve a one-year extension of service for Police Regional Office (PRO) 4A (Calabarzon) Director Brig. Gen. Hansel Marantan.

“There is great merit in his service. We still need his specialized skill set for one more year,” Remulla said.

He added that the extension would help “ensure continuity in the execution of critical and ongoing high-impact operations currently being spearheaded by General Marantan.”

Meanwhile, during a press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co said the request was unusual, noting that he was unaware of any similar cases within the police organization.

“Right off the bat, I can’t think of any, but we will have to research if there is a precedent for this kind of request,” he said.

“As I have said earlier, this is also new to me, and right off the bat, I can’t think of any other similar situation that has happened, so we can say it’s kind of unusual,” Co added.

Co said Marantan’s position as regional director of PRO-4A and his leadership may have prompted Remulla’s request for an extension.

“Obviously, he is the regional director of PRO-4A, and those operations that the good secretary is referring to are operational matters, so we will not be able to discuss what these matters are. By their very nature, they are high-impact and confidential,” he said.

“As I understand it, it is still the President who will have to approve whether this will be granted,” the PNP spokesperson added.

Marantan, who is set to retire compulsorily from the PNP upon turning 56 on July 10, said he was honored by the recommendation for an extension.

“I am deeply honored and grateful for the trust and confidence reflected in the recommendation for a one-year extension of my service. I sincerely thank the leadership of the DILG and the Philippine National Police for their confidence,” Marantan said.

“However, I fully recognize that this remains subject to the approval of the proper authorities, and I respect whatever decision they ultimately make. For now, my focus remains unchanged — to faithfully perform my duties, uphold the rule of law, strengthen peace and public safety in Calabarzon, and serve our people with integrity, professionalism, and accountability,” he added.

Marantan also emphasized that “public service has always been a privilege, not an entitlement.”