A controversial figure in Philippine law enforcement is stepping into the spotlight - this time to tell his side of the story.

Police Colonel Hansel Marantan, who was put under public scrutiny due to high-profile armed operations, is the central character in his official documentary titled “Sa Likod ng Tsapa” (Behind the Badge). The film, which will be shown in theaters on August 13, promises an unflinching look at the man behind the uniform and the "storms" that have followed him throughout his career.

Describing the film as “50 percent archival, 50 percent reenactment,” Marantan said the documentary combines news coverage with real footage from past operations, which will humanize and contextualize the controversies that hounded him, ultimately leading to his successful overcoming of them.

“The movie is not 100 percent about me. It’s a representation of the countless law enforcers who sacrifice their lives on the frontline every day in the fulfillment of their duties,” said the bemedalled colonel, who recently stepped down as the chief of the Davao City Police.

Marantan has requested reassignment to the police headquarters in Camp Crame due to health reasons. These days, he walks with a total knee replacement, has 52 metal screws embedded in his body, a titanium spine, and a hearing impairment. Most of these scars are believed to be from a storied career that placed him at the heart of high-profile operations, including the 2024 arrest of preacher Apollo Quiboloy, the enforcement of a search warrant on the home of fugitive Arnolfo Teves, and the 2013 Atimonan encounter. The last operation caused his detention, where he also shared prison space with Senators Bong Revilla and Jinggoy Estrada.

“If my life were made into a film, I’d want Bong Revilla to play me,” Marantan stated. “He already promised to attend the premiere night of my documentary."

“Sa Likod ng Tsapa” is helmed by Davao-based production outfit POP Moviehouse/Newsline Philippines, with its owner Editha Z. Caduaya doubling as director.

Caduaya, who is also a publisher, revealed that gathering data and filming itself were no easy feat, especially since there were only 13 members of the production team.

“It took us six hours to finish what was supposed to be a 15-minute interview with Col. Marantan. There were a lot of emotional moments, and he got carried away in the retelling," she revealed.

But Caduaya was determined. "What kept me going was the belief that unsung policemen who wage daily struggles in their job need to be given justice.”

One of those who helped bring the reenactments to life was Lt. Col. Stefanio Rabino who portrayed the young Marantan.

“I idolize Col. Hansel,” said Rabino. “Playing the role is my way of paying tribute to him. Because he underwent so many sacrifices and challenges in his almost 30 years of police service, and people don’t see or realize it.”

For Marantan, the documentary is also an act of forgiveness, releasing him from the need to forgive his enemies. Quoting Nelson Mandela’s "Long Walk to Freedom", he said: “If you don’t forgive them, you’re still in shackles and incarcerated. So that’s what I do. I forgive, and I still try to do up to this day.”

Through his documentary, Col. Marantan believes that he can rewrite history, especially as he and his men were initially vilified and later vindicated in their court case. The film is not just about recounting past experiences, but also about providing context for the work of valiant police officers torn between duty and public judgment.

As Caduaya puts it, “This is not just Hansel’s story. It’s the story of every law enforcer whose story needs to be heard.”