‘Behind the Badge’: A Docu-Drama on the Life of Hansel Marantan

 

I had the opportunity to cover the official mediacon of “Sa Likod ng Tsapa (The Story of Col. Hansel M. Marantan)”, a powerful film inspired by the life and legacy of Coronel Hansel Marantan—a name many Filipinos recognize, but few truly know beyond the headlines. Held with members of the press and streamed online, the media conference offered a deeper, more personal look into the real stories behind the controversies, commendations, and courage that shaped one of the most talked-about figures in Philippine law enforcement.

From the start, the mediacon set an intimate tone. Coronel Hansel Marantan, joined by the film’s producers and director, did not shy away from addressing both triumphs and trials.

One of the standout moments came when Marantan candidly shared:

“Hindi ko pinasok ang serbisyo para sumikat. Gusto ko lang maglingkod. Pero minsan, ‘yung serbisyo, may kapalit—at kadalasan, hindi mo gusto.”

That honesty set the tone for the rest of the event: grounded, unfiltered, and sincere.

“Sa Likod ng Tsapa” isn’t a mere action flick—it’s a dramatization grounded in real-life events. The film seeks to shed light on Marantan’s truth, especially during the most controversial periods of his career, including the high-profile Atimonan encounter that made national headlines years ago.

This docudrama is  written, produced, and directed by former journalist Editha Z. Caduaya, according to her,

“We’re not here to justify, but to humanize.”

This approach is refreshing in an era of viral judgments and one-sided narratives.

This wasn’t your typical press event. It felt more like a confessional. Coronel Marantan didn’t just promote a movie—he opened up his life for the public to judge, understand, or maybe forgive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

The mediacon showed:

    A man wrestling with truth and perception.

    A film team dedicated to storytelling, not propaganda.

    A glimpse into a story Filipinos think they know—but haven’t truly heard.


In an age where virality often replaces truth, Sa Likod ng Tsapa challenges us to revisit a familiar name with fresh eyes. Whether you admire or question Coronel Marantan, this film—if done right—will push conversations beyond headlines and hashtags.

The documentary centers on six major operations of the PNP, most of which were sanctioned by the Office of the President to neutralize criminal elements and threats to national security.

The film is produced by POP Moviehouse and Newsline Philippines, and is set for a nationwide theatrical release staring August 13, 2025, distributed by Solar Pictures.