By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan | Philippine News Agency
With his extended term set to end on June 7, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief PGEN. Rommel Francisco Marbil on Wednesday is hoping reforms and improvement within the police force will continue under the leadership of his successor.
Marbil said in a media interview at Camp Crame in Quezon City, “I don’t go for legacy. Gusto namin continuity. Dapat tuloy-tuloy yung reform, ’yong pagbabago, ’yong improvement.”
Marbil said continuing learning and education about the law should be made mandatory; all candidates are qualified to be the next PNP Chief.
Among those being considered for the post are Deputy Chief for Administration PLTGEN. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., Chief of the Directorial Staff PLTGEN. Edgar Allan Okubo, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director PBGEN. Anthony Aberin, and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Director PMGEN. Nicolas Torre III.
“Lahat po sila magagaling. They have their own strengths and weaknesses. Lahat po sila capable of leading the Philippine National Police. I can assure these people are very good,” he said.
Marbil said after spending so much time in public service, it’s time for him to spend his retirement with his family.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier extended Marbil’s term by four months from his mandatory retirement date on Feb. 7, to help ensure stability during the 2025 midterm elections. Marbil was originally appointed chief on April 1, 2024.
Under his leadership, Marbil said he called for a strict enforcement of the “No Tolerance for Cover-Ups,” which supports the long-standing “Zero Tolerance Policy” on misconduct in line with Marcos’ call for transparency and accountability at all levels of the PNP.
Also, he reminded all unit commanders of their responsibility to ensure accurate and honest reporting, particularly on incidents involving personnel who are killed or wounded during operations.
Further, Chief Marbil emphasized that integrity in leadership is crucial to maintaining public trust. “I will hold all commanders accountable if they are found covering for their personnel. There should be no more gray areas when it comes to truth and accountability. We must ensure our actions reflect the values we stand for.”
Marbil underscores the PNP’s ongoing commitment to professional service and internal reforms aligned with the national vision of a Bagong Pilipinas.
NCR police commanders under probe
Meanwhile, NCRPO Director PMGEN. Aberin said the police commanders being investigated for lapses and violations discovered during recent surprise inspections have increased to 28.
Aberin said the commanders assigned to police community precincts and substations are under probe for alleged failure to properly supervise their personnel.
“Nine po ’yong initial po ngayon, and maaari pa pong madagdagan po ’yong mare-relieve based po doon sa outcome po ng investigation po natin,” Aberin said in a separate media interview at Camp Crame.
Aside from the commanders, Aberin said the NCRPO is also investigating lower-ranking personnel for negligence, stressing: “Dapat ’yong mga kapulisan natin ay nakikita po sa kalsada at 24 hours po nandoon.”
