Some stories are destined to go beyond a single medium. What began as the docufilm Sa Likod ng Tsapa evolved into a theme song and official music video performed by Jerry Angga. Now, the story continues in print with the launch of Beneath the Badge, a memoir that offers an even more intimate portrait of Police Brigadier General Hansel M. Marantan beyond the badge he wears.
Beneath the Badge delivers a deeply personal account of a career defined by sacrifice, controversy, betrayal, resilience, and vindication. The launch drew a crowd so eager to hear the experiences of one of the country’s most closely watched law enforcement officials.
Journalist Editha Caduaya, who directed and produced Sa Likod ng Tsapa, once again stepped into this book project. This time, she is the author behind the memoir. Marantan himself credited her for making the project possible, recognizing her commitment to documenting not only his journey but also the often unseen realities of police service.
“Truth is a thing that we have to defend,” Marantan said. Addressing the audience, Marantan reflected on the difficult balance between maintaining peace and facing the consequences that often come with it. “I have always been a proponent of peace, but in the pursuit of it, sometimes it’s bloody, sometimes it’s full of controversies,” he said. He added, “We have to defend it with our life and honor. Kung hindi, wala nang maniniwala sa atin as law enforcers.”
He also pushed back against the image of him as an unshakable hardliner. “Sabi nila matapang ako, hindi ako matapang, but I can only be brave when I have to be,” Marantan admitted, sending the message that courage is not about fearlessness but choosing to stand firm when circumstances demand it.
Reading from the memoir, Marantan stressed that Beneath the Badge was never meant to glorify his own life. “It’s not about me, it’s about us. I’m just one of the representations of the unsung heroes of the police force na hindi madepensahan ang state,” he said. He concluded, “It carries wisdom of life in protecting our people and upholding what is right and what is just.”
He added that the years of work poured into the book were driven by a desire to leave behind a meaningful account for future generations — one that captures the unseen cost of keeping communities safe. Asked what proved most difficult about turning his life into both a documentary and a memoir, Marantan pointed to the personal sacrifices demanded by the profession. “Not necessarily about money and resources, but you have to spend time and sacrifice everything to keep it peaceful as supposed to be,” he explained. He emphasized that sustaining peace requires far more than what the public often sees.
While the memoir revisits tactical operations, leadership, and the weight of command, Caduaya revealed that the moment that stayed with her most was deeply personal rather than operational. She recalled a 4 a.m. conversation with Marantan about surviving a near-fatal injury and the first words he heard from his mother upon waking. “That was not just the reaction of a child but a reaction also of a mother. I’m a mother too so nakaka-relate ako doon,” she shared.
The discussion also turned to Marantan’s future in the Philippine National Police following reports of a possible extension as Calabarzon police chief. Asked if he still planned to retire, he answered simply, “Yes. My answer is yes.”
From documentary to music video and now to memoir, Sa Likod ng Tsapa has grown into something much bigger than a retelling of one man’s career. Through Beneath the Badge, readers are invited to look beyond the rank, the headlines, and the controversies, and remember that behind every badge is a son, brother, husband, and father. There are intentions and sacrifices that often go unseen.
