The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) on Monday expressed support for extending the police service of Police Regional Office 4A (Calabarzon) Director Brig. Gen. Hansel Marantan.

"The extension in the police service of police generals is not without precedent. It is reserved for those who are truly deserving. It is not for PNP chiefs alone," NAPOLCOM Vice Chairman Ralph Calinisan said in a statement sent to DAILY TRIBUNE.

Calinisan said the first police general to receive such an extension for meritorious service was his father, Brig. Gen. Roberto Calinisan.

He said then-President Joseph Estrada approved the elder Calinisan's one-year extension in January 2000 while he was serving as director of Police Regional Office 3. He was originally set to retire in April 2000, but his service was extended until April 2001 upon the recommendation of governors, mayors, church leaders and civic groups in Central Luzon.

Calinisan cited Section 39 of Republic Act No. 6975, which allows NAPOLCOM to retain police officers with the rank of police brigadier general, police major general or police lieutenant general in the service for an unextendible period of one year.

"It is in this light that I reviewed the extension of the police service of PBGen. Hansel M. Marantan, currently the regional director of Police Regional Office 4A. Extensions are only for a select few. Only the deserving must be extended. There is no question in my mind that General Marantan, given his countless accomplishments, must be extended for one more year. We need more of him in the police service," Calinisan said.

Last week, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla endorsed a one-year extension of Marantan's service, citing the need to sustain ongoing high-impact operations.

"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 ensure continuity in critical operations under Marantan's leadership.

PNP spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co described the request as unusual, saying he could not immediately recall a similar extension being granted 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," Co said during a press briefing at Camp Crame.

Co said the recommendation appears to be based on Marantan's role as Calabarzon regional director and the confidential operations he is overseeing.

He added that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will decide whether to approve the request.

Marantan is scheduled to retire on 10 July after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

He thanked the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Philippine National Police leadership for recommending the extension but said he would respect whatever decision the proper authorities 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," Marantan said.