Like everyone else, he pursued a dream — a vision that ignited passion, fueled ambitions, and drove him forward.
Police Brigadier General Rederico "Red" Maranan, Acting Director of the Quezon City Police District, dreamt of becoming a police officer.
"It was a childhood dream," said Maranan, whose father was also a police officer.
In the wake of a viral road rage incident that captured the public's attention on social media, a significant change occurred within the ranks of the QCPD. Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III, then-director of QCPD, decided to resign from his position amidst an ongoing investigation into handling the case.
The incident in question involved a dismissed police officer named Wilfredo Gonzales and a cyclist, and it quickly gained traction online due to the alarming nature of the confrontation. As public outcry grew, the spotlight turned towards the QCPD and their response to the incident.
Acknowledging the need for accountability and transparency, Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III stepped down from his post. This decision was likely driven by the desire to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation into handling the road rage case, demonstrating a commitment to upholding the principles of justice and maintaining public trust.
Following Torre's resignation, Maranan was appointed as the former's replacement. He was responsible for leading the QCPD, taking charge of the ongoing investigation, and managing the district's law enforcement operations.
It is an area of assignment close to his heart because he once served as QCPD Deputy Director for Operations.
Just over a month into his tenure as the head of the QCPD, he found himself facing a challenging situation when a video clip went viral on 5 October. The video, shared by former Bayan Muna Partylist solon Teddy Casiño, presented Maranan in a difficult position.
The viral video appeared to maliciously suggest that Vice President Sara Duterte's convoy was given preferential treatment, leading to a temporary traffic stoppage at an intersection along Commonwealth Avenue. It turned out that the Vice President was not in Quezon City, but in Mindanao.
As the situation unfolded, Maranan handled the aftermath of the viral video with prompt transparency, accountability, and a commitment to addressing any shortcomings — essential in maintaining public trust and confidence in law enforcement institutions.
As a former chief of the Philippine National Police Public Information Office, his apology was loud and clear.
"The QCPD would like to clarify that the recent traffic management operation was not, in any manner, related to politics. However, we acknowledge that there may have been inconvenience and misunderstandings caused to the public during this incident. Your QCPD sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience and confusion brought on by the situation," his apology read.
He said: "Traffic management is an essential part of the security measures we provide for VIPs, including diplomats, elected government officials, state guests, and other personalities whose movements require the utmost security. It is crucial to emphasize that our approach to simple traffic management should remain free from political influence."
A member of the Philippine National Police Academy "Patnubay" Class 1995, Maranan holds two master's degrees — a Master's in Business Administration and a Master's in Public Management Major in Development and Security from the Development Academy of the Philippines.
Since his appointment to the PNP in 1995, he has held various command, staff, and training assignments at different levels of the police organization, mainly in operating and line units such as PNP Provincial Director of Pangasinan, Director of Intelligence Training School, Chief of Staff of Drug Enforcement Group, and Chief of Police of Imus City and Bacoor City.
He also became an Intelligence officer of Cavite, Intelligence officer of Metrodiscom Cebu City, Intelligence and operations officer of Aviation Security Group, Commander of the Cavite Provincial Mobile Force Company, and Commanding Officer of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion in Bicol Region.
'Prayers, lot of prayers and faith in God to overcome all challenges.'
Maranan underwent formal training in various specialized areas within the police force, including intelligence, drug law enforcement, incident management, aircraft operations, bomb investigation, human rights, hostage negotiation, and police tactical skills.
He completed several notable training programs, including his time as an alumnus of the NBI National Academy in Baguio.
He furthered his education by completing the CBRNE Tertiary level course, which the Canadian Government sponsored; Airport Physical Security Course conducted by Homeland Security in the USA; the Anti-Terrorism Course in Indonesia; and Hostage Crisis Negotiation Course facilitated by the FBI in Los Angeles, California, among others.
Maranan's several performance awards speak of his outstanding achievements and exceptional performance such as a three-time LAKAN awardee — Outstanding PNPA Alumnus; two-time Outstanding Policeman of Cebu City Kiwanis Club; Outstanding Policeman of Cavite Province, La Salle Dasma; Medalya ng Kadakilaan (Heroism); Philippine President Citation Medal; Medalya ng Pambihirang Paglilingkod; Top 1 Public Safety Advance Officers Course; Top 1 in Directors Course; Leadership Award from Development Academy of the Philippines; and 218 other PNP Medals.
Receiving performance awards may indeed serve as a validation of his dedication, hard work, skills, and contributions, but Maranan is one humble police general who is just living his dream and doesn't want to hug the headlines.
"I don't want to make a difference or be popular. I just want to do my job as a police officer," he said, adding that he cannot avoid being in the news.
Within law enforcement, he has encountered various challenges along the way, including harassment from influential individuals or prominent figures.
"There are many challenges like harassment cases and counter charges from syndicates that we've busted and suspects we've arrested," he admits.
But there was never a moment of regret.
"Prayers, lot of prayers and faith in God to overcome all challenges," Maranan said.
As the leader of the largest police command in Metro Manila, Maranan is now dedicated to shifting the mindset of his personnel, building upon the innovations, techniques, and reforms initiated by those who came before him.
"The priority is changing the mindset of personnel. We are now in the new era of digital technology. Honesty and integrity should be strengthened. There should be no shortcuts. Of course, with utmost respect for the citizens," he added.
