Police officer involved in shooting at checkpoint reinstated: Dela Rosa

October 26, 2017

A police officer implicated in the alleged shooting of 13 people at a checkpoint in Atimonan, Quezon four years has been reinstated into the Philippine National Police (PNP).

In an interview with reporters after the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) turnover ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo Thursday, PNP Director General Ronald Dela Rosa said the appellate board of the National Police Commission ordered the reinstatement of Superintendent Hansel Marantan.

Dela Rosa did not say when the National Police Commission made the decision.

“He made an appeal at the national appellate board. His appeal was granted so we have no other choice but to issue an order for his reinstatement,” Dela Rosa said.

Marantan and 10 police officers were dismissed from the service in 2014 by then PNP chief Alan Purisima after they were found guilty of serious irregularity in the performance of duty.

Marantan and the 10 policemen were freed from detention this March after the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 34 allowed them to post bail .

Marantan and the other accused said 13 persons in a two-vehicle convoy, refused to stop at a checkpoint on Maharlika Highway and opened fire first. This forced the policemen to retaliate.

In response to news reports that Marantan will be re-assigned to the Highway Patrol Group, Dela Rosa said:" I don't know where he will be assigned.” DMS