The National Police Commission (Napolcom) on Monday expressed its support for a proposed one-year service extension for Police Regional Office 4A (Calabarzon) director Brig. Gen. Hansel Marantan, citing historical precedent for the move.

The endorsement comes just days before Marantan is scheduled to reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on 10 July.

“The extension in the police service of police generals is not without precedent,” Napolcom vice chairperson Ralph Calinisan said in a statement to DAILY TRIBUNE. “It is reserved for those who are truly deserving. It is not for PNP chiefs alone.”

Calinisan cited that the first police general to receive a meritorious extension was his father, Brig. Gen. Roberto Calinisan, whose service as the Region 3 director was extended for one year in January 2000 by then-President Joseph Estrada.

Under Section 39 of Republic Act 6975, the police commission may retain an officer with the rank of brigadier general, major general, or lieutenant general for an unextendible period of one year past retirement age.

“There is no question in my mind that General Marantan, given his countless accomplishments, must be extended for one more year,” Calinisan said. “We need more of him in the police service.”

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla previously endorsed the extension, noting the need to maintain continuity in high-impact, confidential operations overseen by Marantan in the Calabarzon region. Remulla said the region still requires Marantan’s “specialized skill set for one more year.”

However, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co termed the request unusual during a press briefing at Camp Crame, noting he could not immediately recall a similar extension being granted recently.

“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,” Co said, adding that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will make the final decision on the matter.

Marantan expressed gratitude to the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the PNP leadership for the recommendation but said he would defer to the president’s ultimate decision.

“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,” Marantan said.