Manila: Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil on Monday welcomed his possible term extension as current chief of the police force. In an interview at the National Capital Region Police Office headquarters in Taguig City, Marbil stated that his main focus is on the reorganization of the police force and ensuring security operations for the upcoming May 12 polls.
According to Philippines News Agency, Marbil emphasized the importance of continuity in the ongoing reorganization efforts within the PNP, regardless of whether his term is extended or not. "As I have said, whether I will be extended or not, I am happy. But I just want the reorganization that we are doing in the PNP to push through. It must be continuous and does not mean if there is a new chief, there are new ideas that would come in," he remarked.
Marbil elaborated on the PNP's preparations for the upcoming elections, highlighting a specific 100-day program aimed at ensuring a peaceful electoral process. He reassured the public that the PNP is on track with its election preparations, stating, "On election preparations, we will be launching our 100 days program, it would be very specific, how would we work toward a peaceful election. But there is nothing to worry about because the PNP is on track in its preparations."
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has indicated that he is considering extending Marbil's term as PNP chief, citing strong arguments for the extension, especially during the election season. Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla mentioned that a final decision regarding Marbil's term will be made before February 7, when Marbil reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56. There is a possibility that Marbil could retain his position until June.
Gen. Marbil, who is part of the Philippine Military Academy Sambisig Class of 1991, was appointed as the country's 30th PNP chief on April 1, 2024. While discussing potential successors, Marbil noted, "I don't want to say shortlist but everybody can be the chief PNP. All of them are good." Several senior officers are considered qualified candidates for the position, including 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.
