By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed his gratitude for the service of outgoing Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief PGen. Rommel Francisco Marbil in a solemn change of command ceremony held at Camp Crame, Quezon City this Monday, June 2.
He conferred the retirement honors to Marbil, who was replaced by former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Chief PGen. Nicolas Torre III.
Under his tenure at CIDG, Torre handled high-profile cases including the arrests of KOJC Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and former President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Panatilihin mong malinis at marangal ang hanay ng ating mga kapulisan. Bilisan ang imbestigasyon sa mga kaso laban sa mga pulis na lumabag sa batas upang maibigay natin ang hustisya sa lalong madaling panahon,” President Marcos said.
“Kapag kailangan ng taumbayan, dapat may pulis na agad na reresponde. Iparamdam natin sa mga Pilipino na may pulis na handang dumamay at magtanggol sa kanila sa lahat ng oras,” he added.
Likewise, the Chief Executive called on the new PNP chief to increase police visibility, ensure quick response to incidents, and quell the ebb and flow of illegal drugs in the country.
President Marcos noted the necessity of such interventions to ensure that the police force remains in top shape amid mounting and evolving challenges of transnational crimes, cyber threats, extremist violence, and police misconduct.
Meanwhile, he also called on the cops to uphold the law with integrity and professionalism, which the President cites as the true essence of public service.
“Let your badge be your daily pledge—not to command—but to serve with integrity. Let every decision uphold the law, and let every gesture reflect the quiet dignity of true public service. May the PNP become a source of hope and reassurance to every community that you protect,” the Chief Executive concluded.
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