From deadly shootouts to headline-making police raids, Colonel Hansel Marantan has long been a familiar—and often controversial—name in Philippine law enforcement. Now, his life story is heading to the big screen through Sa Likod ng Tsapa, a new documentary film that offers a closer look at the man behind the badge.
Set for nationwide release on Aug. 13, the docu-film is written and directed by journalist Editha Caduaya and produced entirely by the Davao-based outfit POP Moviehouse and Newsline Philippines. Distributed by Solar Pictures, the project is said to be a rare regional documentary to secure a national theatrical run.
Sa Likod ng Tsapa covers six major police operations led by Marantan, many of which were approved by the Office of the President. Among them is the controversial 2013 Atimonan shootout, for which he was recently acquitted, and a 2023 raid during his time as CIDG chief involving fugitive Congressman Arnulfo Teves, the alleged mastermind in the murder of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.
“This movie is produced in Davao. The production crew is 100 percent Davao. We traveled from Mindanao to Visayas to Luzon,” said Caduaya.
At first, the journalist only planned to do a short news documentary. But as she learned more about Marantan’s career—and the many issues and emotions that came with it—the story grew into a full-length film.
Marantan, who just stepped down as Davao City Police Office chief, said he agreed to share his story because he saw the filmmaker’s commitment.
“I saw the sincerity of [Caduaya]. The person is passionate enough, aggressive enough to bring out the best in you, the truth in you,” he shared, describing how Caduaya would call him in the early hours of the morning just to clarify details.
The film’s poster carries the tagline TBR—Truth, Betrayal, Redemption—which Marantan said captures what he’s been through, not just as a police officer but also as a person whose actions have often been misunderstood.
Colonel Mario Mayames, Marantan’s longtime friend and a member of the producing team, described him as someone very different from his public image.
“He is my brother—a brother who will never leave you. We’ve been through good times and bad together. Everyone I know understands what kind of heart he has. Look at who he truly is, not just what you see in the media,” said Mayames.
He also added that the film shows how police officers’ families quietly suffer in the background.
“People don’t see the suffering of the family. The ones who suffer the most—financially and emotionally—are our families,” he continued.
Philippine National Police Chief General Nicolas Torre III is encouraging the public to watch the film. He said it highlights “the discipline, excellence, and relentless commitment” of police officers to protect lives and keep peace in communities.
Sa Likod ng Tsapa challenges viewers to consider the human stories within the police force and the moral cost of duty. It opens in cinemas nationwide on Aug. 13.
