Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday welcomed the possible term extension of its current chief, Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, who is up for retirement next month.
According to Philippines News Agency, PNP spokesperson and Central Luzon Police chief Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo addressed the matter during a press briefing at Camp Crame. She noted that it is not uncommon for a sitting PNP chief's term to be extended, pointing out that this situation is not new to the PNP hierarchy.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed on Monday that he is contemplating extending Marbil's term, citing a strong argument for the extension amid the ongoing election season. Brig. Gen. Fajardo, referencing Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla, emphasized that there are strong indications of a possible extension.
"Our SILG (Secretary of the Interior and Local Government) mentioned it last week that there are strong indications that our chief PNP will be extended at least up to the election period," Fajardo elaborated. She also noted the challenges of changing leadership while preparations for the forthcoming May 12 elections are underway.
Regardless of the decision on Marbil's extension, Fajardo assured that the PNP is fully prepared to provide the necessary security for the elections. Remulla previously stated that President Marcos would finalize the decision regarding Marbil's potential extension before Feb. 7, coinciding with Marbil reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56. Should the extension be granted, Marbil could remain in his position until June.
Gen. Marbil, who was appointed as the 30th PNP chief on April 1, 2024, is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Sambisig Class of 1991. Meanwhile, Remulla mentioned that a list of potential successors is already in place, which includes several senior officers such as PNP deputy chief for administration Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, acting PNP deputy chief for operations Lt. Gen. Robert Rodriguez, PNP chief directorial staff Lt. Gen. Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo, and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III.
